WATERCORP WARNS OF COSTLY DRAINAGE BLOCKAGES

A 35 kilogram ‘fatberg’ blockage was found in Karratha’s wastewater system in January 2022. (Supplied: Water Corporation.)

Pouring grease, fats, and oils from Christmas meals down the drain can have costly impacts, according to the Water Corporation.

Water Corporation North West Regional Manager Sharon Broad said fats, oils, and grease tipped down the sink could cause large blockages called ‘fatbergs’ in the wastewater system.

The Water Corporation recorded 1,152 preventable wastewater blockages across the state in 2022.

Ms Broad said unclogging blockages in the North West this year cost the agency over $120 000.

She warned irresponsible drain usage could also cause blockages in household plumbing.

“It could block up in your internal plumbing before it gets to our sewer system, so that means costs for a plumber to come out and unblock your sewer,” she said.

“That’s the first place it’ll probably block up.”

Ms Broad urged the public to take care with fats, oil, and grease this Christmas season.

“Pour it into an empty container, something you’re going to throw out anyway,” she said.

“Pour it into that and then you know it’s not going to block up our pipes or your pipes.”