NI Water has warned that a 'turkeyberg' could build up in the sewers if people pour fat, oil or grease down the sink. every Christmas 25 per cent more fat, oil and grease (FOG) goes down the drain than at any other time of the year and as it cools and solidifies it can block the sewerage system.
During the summer a bus-sized ball of congealed fat known as a 'fatberg' was removed from the London sewers before surrounding streets were flooded with sewage.
NI Water spends around £1.7 million unblocking sewers every year and has asked people to dispose of FOG correctly.
Des Nevin, NI Water's Head of Networks Sewerage, said fat, oil and grease will still harden even if you wash them down with hot water, soap, detergents or bleach. "When fat, oil and grease solidifies in the sewers it prevents waste water flowing through the pipe, and often causes a blockage. "Fat, oil and grease in its liquid form may not look harmful, but once in the drains, it is."
Mr Nevin said once a drain is blocked and overflows "the consequences can be devastating".
One way to dispose of FOG is to let it cool and solidify and then put it the rubbish bin or it can be poured into a suitable container and taken to a council recycling centre.
Maeve Connolly