What Are Brits Flushing? UK Blocked Drain Statistics 2026

The UK has around 300,000 sewer blockages a year, costing about £200 million to clear, and most of them start with things that should never have gone down the toilet or sink. We have pulled together the latest figures from Water UK, Thames Water, the government and others on what British households are flushing, and what it costs.

Key Figures at a Glance

• 300,000 sewer blockages occur in the UK every year (Water UK).
• 3,000 homes are flooded from blockages every year (Water UK).
• £200m is the cost of cleaning up blockages each year (Water UK).
• 94% of blockages are caused by wet wipes (Water UK).
• 2.9 billion wet wipes are flushed every year (Water UK).

The Wet Wipe Problem

Wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They snag on joints and roots, catch fat and build up into solid plugs. The government says UK Water Industry Research found that wet wipes contribute to 94% of sewer blockages. Confusion persists: a Thames Water survey found a quarter (25%) of people think disposable wet wipes are safe to flush.

The Plastic Wet Wipes Ban

A ban on selling wet wipes that contain plastic comes into force on 19 May 2027 in England, and all UK nations are introducing this ban on different dates. Plastic-free wipes still cause blockages, so the advice does not change: bin them.

Fat, Oil and Grease

In the Unblocktober 2022 drainage habits survey, 65% of respondents admitted to having poured fat and oil down the sink. 11% say they do this after every cooked meal, even though 80% know that fat, oil and grease is a factor in the formation of fatbergs. Thames Water says fats, oils and grease cause 28% (20,000+) of blockages on its network.

Hot water and washing-up liquid do not solve it: the fat cools and sets further down the pipe. Let it cool, scrape it into the bin and wipe pans before washing.

Period Products and Bathroom Waste

Southern Water says 45% of blockages are caused by period products and wet wipes, including flushable ones on its network. Cotton buds, dental floss, plasters and contact lenses also belong in the bin.

Fatbergs

When fat and wipes meet, the result can be enormous. London’s 2017 Whitechapel fatberg was over 250 metres long and weighed an estimated 130 tonnes. In 2025 Thames Water removed a 120-tonne fatberg from a sewer in Oxford. See fatbergs and your drains.

What It Means for Homeowners

Blockages in public sewers are fixed by the water company, but the cost is paid through everyone’s bills. Blockages in your own drains are yours to clear; see who is responsible for a blocked drain? Sewage flooding can damage floors and belongings and lead to an insurance claim.

How to Protect Your Drains

• Flush only the three Ps: pee, poo and paper.
• Keep a bin in the bathroom for wipes and sanitary products.
• Collect cooled fat in a container and put it in the bin.
• Use a sink strainer for food scraps.
• Act early on slow drains or gurgling; see slow drains and gurgling sinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are “Flushable” Wipes Safe to Flush?

Only products certified to the water industry’s Fine to Flush standard are designed to break down. If a wipe does not carry it, bin it.

Will the Wet Wipes Ban Stop Blockages?

It removes plastic from wipes, which helps the environment, but any wipe can still cause a blockage if flushed.

Blocked Drain?

Drain 247 clears domestic blockages across Watford, Hertfordshire and North West London, with no call-out fee. Call 0208 387 5591 or see drain unblocking and drain jetting.