When you think of monsters, you might picture something lurking under your bed or in the closet—but there’s one hiding right beneath our feet. They’re not fictional, they’re real, and they’re called fatbergs.
What Exactly Is a Fatberg?
A fatberg is a large, solid mass that forms in the sewer system when fats, oils, grease (commonly referred to as FOG), and non-biodegradable waste like wet wipes, sanitary products, and paper towels combine and congeal into a rock-like blockage.
The term “fatberg” is a blend of “fat” and “iceberg”—and that’s not just clever wordplay. Like icebergs, fatbergs can grow to massive sizes, with only a small portion visible while the rest looms deeper in the sewer system.
How Do Fatbergs Form?
Fatbergs form when:
- Fats, oils, and grease are poured down the sink. These substances may seem harmless when hot, but once they cool, they solidify and cling to sewer walls.
- Non-flushable items such as baby wipes, nappies, cotton buds, and sanitary products are flushed down toilets. These do not break down like toilet paper.
- The fats act as a glue, binding these items together, gradually forming a thick, immovable mass.
As this mass builds up, it slows the flow of wastewater, eventually leading to complete blockages.
Find out other reasons for drain blockages
Why Are Fatbergs a Growing Problem?
Urban areas with high population densities are particularly vulnerable. With more households and businesses contributing to waste disposal, the accumulation of FOG and non-flushables in the sewers happens faster.
Key reasons fatbergs are becoming a bigger issue:
- Increased use of “flushable” wipes (which are often not truly biodegradable)
- Poor public awareness about what can and cannot go down the drain
- Aging sewer systems that struggle to cope with modern waste disposal habits
- Rise in fast food consumption, leading to more grease and oil being washed down sinks
Real-World Fatberg Nightmares
Fatbergs have made headlines around the world. In 2017, a 130-tonne fatberg was discovered in London’s sewer system—longer than two football fields. Removal took weeks and involved workers using high-pressure hoses, shovels, and protective gear just to break it apart.
Similar cases have been reported in cities across the globe, from New York to Melbourne, highlighting the global scale of the issue.
What’s the Impact?
The consequences of fatbergs include:
- Sewer blockages and overflows
- Property damage and flooding
- Expensive emergency repairs
- Environmental harm when raw sewage backs up into rivers or streets
In the UK alone, water companies spend millions annually clearing fatbergs and repairing the damage they cause.
How Can We Prevent Fatbergs?
Prevention starts at home. Here’s how you can help:
- Never pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink. Let them cool and dispose of them in the bin.
- Avoid flushing wipes, cotton pads, or hygiene products. Stick to the three P’s: pee, poo, and paper.
- Use sink strainers to catch food scraps and debris.
- Educate others—the more people know, the better the system works for everyone.
Drainage inspections- Perform regular CCTV drain surveys to find any issues arising of these sort.
Final Thoughts
Fatbergs may sound like something out of a horror film, but they’re a very real—and preventable—problem. With small, simple changes in how we dispose of everyday waste, we can all help stop these sewer monsters from growing.
Remember: What goes down your drain doesn’t just disappear—it could come back as a fatberg.