Warning after five bin bags worth of wipes found clogging sewer

Scottish Water is urging customers in Angus to remember the “three Ps rule” and take more care with what they flush away.

The warning follows a recent sewer blockage in Monifieth.

A Scottish Water team was called out to the town and found hundreds of baby wipes clogging up the network.

In total the workers filled five rubbish bags with wipes that had been dumped into a single section of sewer.

Scottish Water’s Cycle Campaign urges customers to use the “three Ps rule” and only flush “pee, poo and toilet paper” down toilets.

Disposing of other items, such as wipes, nappies or cotton buds, in this way can cause drains to block.

Gavin Noble, Scottish Water sewer response team leader for Angus, said: “The volume of wipes from this recent blockage in Angus is an ideal chance to remind customers of the consequences of putting inappropriate items down the toilet.

“Every year there are around 37,000 blocked drains and sewers across Scotland, which can cause flooding and pollute rivers, burns and coastal waters.

“Around 80% of these blockages that clog up the cycle are caused by either inappropriate items being put down the toilet, or fat, oil and grease being put down the sink.

“We believe the best way to tackle blocked drains and sewer flooding is to work together to help prevent blockages that can clog up the cycle in the first place and we would urge customers to follow the Scottish Water Cycle Campaign.”

‘Never flush’ items include all wipes, sanitary items, cotton wool and condoms.