Grease-laden lumps of fat are clogging sewer systems and causing damage

LUMPS of fat and oil — known as fatbergs — are blocking sewerage systems across the Yarra Ranges, and costing the water authority more than $225,000 to unclog them.

GREASY lumps of fat and oil — known as fatbergs — are blocking sewerage systems across the Yarra Ranges.

Solidified fatty liquids stuck to wet wipes and tree roots are causing headaches for Yarra Valley Water, which has spent more than $225,000 stopping the grease-laden lumps from clogging the system.

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The authority’s managing director, Pat McCafferty, said the amount of fat, oil and grease going down the drain was a concern.

“By putting things down the drain, which shouldn’t be there, you can damage and block pipes for households and businesses, and cause serious damage to our sewer system and the environment,” Mr McCafferty said.

It has cost $225,000 to remove fatbergs from sewers in the Yarra Ranges in the past two years.

“When fats, oils and grease cool, they turn into solids.

“This sticky mess causes blockages and clings to other things in the sewer which shouldn’t be there, such as wet wipes and tree roots.”

He said the blockages could cause sewage spills inside and outside the home.

Yarra Valley Water has been removing fatbergs from sewers in the Yarra Ranges.

“We see the scale and damage at the end point of the sewer system, with pipes and pumps at our sewage treatment plants damaged, blocked or covered in fatty residue,” Mr McCafferty said.

Tips include:

Using a sink strainer to stop food scraps going down the drain; and

Pouring fats and oils into a container before throwing it away