A fatberg is a lumpy mass of solid waste matter found in a sewage pipe formed by the decomposition of wet paper, fats, or greasy cooking oil. Fatbergs have commonly formed in older sewers across the country, with the increase in use of grease and based disposable nappies. Although many pipes may be cleaned regularly using chemicals, others can’t be because of the design of the pipe or because of human factors like weight and gravity have contributed to its development. This is why a Drainage Cleaning Company such as Wilkinson Environmental may be called into help.
Fatbergs tend to form at pipe joints where there is little air flow because of gravity. This results in the gradual build up of fat, grease, or paper from the tank below. The resulting mass can become quite viscous and lead to a clog if not removed in a timely manner. Clogs happen frequently and if they are not given attention, can cause serious damage to your sewage system.
So, how do you tell if your sink, tub, or drain is a likely candidate for fatbergs? First, pay attention to any discolored fat droppings that you find in your drains. If you see dark or blackish spots in your drains, then you probably have a fatberg forming somewhere in your sewage system. If this is your first time dealing with a fatberg, then it is probably best to call in a professional to help you cleanse your pipe; otherwise, you could damage your pipe permanently.