Wet wipe blockages have become one of the most common drainage issues in London and across the UK, despite many products being marketed as flushable. Unlike toilet paper, wet wipes do not break down quickly in water and instead bind together with grease, hair and other debris to form dense, fibrous plugs that catch on small irregularities inside the drain. The issue accounts for a large proportion of fatbergs identified by Thames Water in central London sewers. Engineers usually address common causes by mechanical clearance, high pressure water jetting and inspection by CCTV in accordance with BS EN 13508-2. For prevention, the Water UK Fine to Flush certification scheme identifies products that have passed an industry standard test, although disposal in a bin remains the safest option.
Wet wipe blockage
Drain blockage caused by flushed wet wipes that do not break down in water.
