There’s a hidden menace lurking beneath in our sewers called fatbergs. These massive sewer blockages form when fats, oils, grease (FOG), and non-biodegradable waste congeal into rock-like masses.
They grow quietly, fed by everyday habits like rinsing greasy pans or flushing “flushable” wipes. In 2017, London sanitation workers discovered a 130-ton fatberg, a concrete-like blockage stretching over 800 feet.
This article explains what fatbergs are, how they form, the damage they cause, and how to prevent them.
Key Takeaways
- Fatbergs are formed from congealed fat, wet wipes, paper towels, and other non-biodegradable materials.
- The term “fatberg” was inspired by “iceberg” and first appeared in London in 2013.
- Fatbergs block sewer systems, causing overflows and expensive repairs.
- Common household habits—like pouring grease down drains or flushing wipes—fuel growth.
- Professional removal requires high-pressure water jets and expert cleaning.
What Is a Fatberg?
A fatberg is a solid mass of congealed fat, oil, and grease mixed with non-biodegradable waste. These sewer-clogging obstructions form when everyday waste materials bind together and harden over time.
What Makes Up a Fatberg?
They usually are a mixture of:
- Fat, oil, and grease (FOG): Grease from cooking solidifies in pipes.
- Wet wipes: Even so-called “flushable” wipes don’t disintegrate properly.
- Paper towels and tissues: These absorbent materials don’t break down in water.
- Sanitary products and diapers: Cotton and plastic components make them durable.
- Dental floss and hair: These tangle with other waste, strengthening the blockage.
- Human waste: It mixes with FOG and non-biodegradable items, reinforcing the fatberg’s structure.
They grow as waste accumulates, eventually blocking entire sewer lines.
Where Did the Term ‘Fatberg’ Come From?
The word “fatberg” comes from the combination of “fat” and “iceberg.” The first recorded use happened in London in 2013. Sanitation workers found a 15-ton fatberg blocking the city’s sewer system.
By 2015, the term was officially recognized in the Oxford English Dictionary. This solidified (pen intended) its place in public discussion.
How Do Fatbergs Form?
These massive buildups don’t appear overnight. They develop over time as household and commercial waste sticks together and hardens inside sewer pipes.
Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG)
When greasy pans are rinsed in the sink, FOG washes into the sewer system. Over time, it cools and solidifies, forming the foundation. This process—called saponification—turns liquid fats into hardened deposits.
In Baltimore, a fatberg blocked a sewer line, causing a 1.2 million-gallon sewage overflow into local waterways. Similar incidents have occurred across the United States.
Wet Wipes and “Flushable” Wipes
Many wipes labeled “flushable” do not break down like toilet paper. Instead, they combine with grease, creating dense, sticky layers within the sewer system.
Public misinformation worsens the issue. Many consumers believe these wipes disintegrate, but wastewater treatment plants struggle to remove them.
Paper Towels
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are designed to hold their structure in water. When flushed, they absorb liquid, expand, and contribute to pipe blockages.
Human Waste
While human waste itself is biodegradable, it interacts with grease and solid materials, making fatbergs more difficult to remove. The combination of organic and non-organic materials strengthens these sewer-clogging masses.
The Consequences of Fatbergs
They can cause widespread damage, affecting infrastructure, health, and public finances.
Sewage System Issues
Fatbergs block pipes, leading to backups, overflows, and system failures. Older sewer systems, particularly those with cast iron pipes, are especially vulnerable.
Health & Environmental Hazards
Decomposing fatbergs release harmful bacteria and toxic gases. Sanitation workers face exposure risks, and sewer overflows contaminate local water sources. Some studies link these blockages to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing additional health concerns.
Financial Burden
Removal of these blockages are expensive. Cities spend hundreds of thousands of dollars per cleanup. These costs often lead to increased utility bills for residents.
How to Prevent a Fatberg from Forming
Preventing fatbergs starts with responsible waste disposal. Avoid flushing or pouring these items down drains:
Never Flush:
- Wet wipes, “flushable” wipes, and diapers
- Cleaning wipes, paper towels, tissues
- Sanitary products
Never Pour Down the Drain:
- Fat, oil, and grease (FOG)
- Cooking grease and leftover frying oil
- Butter, lard, and food scraps
Instead, use grease traps or dispose of waste in sealed containers.
How to Get Rid of a Fatberg
Fatbergs are stubborn. Once they form, removal is not a DIY job.
Why Professional Removal Is Necessary
- Blockages lead to sewer overflows.
- Breaking down these obstructions requires specialized equipment.
- Improper removal can cause pipe damage.
The Power of Hydro Jetting
Professional teams use high-pressure water jets to break apart blockages safely. This method clears pipes without causing structural damage. After removal, experts assess the system to prevent future blockages.
At Clog Wizards, we tackle even the toughest fatbergs. Our hydro jetting services keep your sewer system clear and running smoothly. We serve Wilmington, DE and surrounding areas and we’re always clearing drains like MAGIC!
FAQs
Fatbergs are a growing concern, and many people have questions about them. Here are some of the most common:
How big can a fatberg get?
Some fatbergs stretch hundreds of feet and weigh over 100 tons. The London fatberg of 2017 was one of the largest recorded, weighing 130 tons.
Can a fatberg form in my home pipes?
Yes. Grease buildup and flushed non-biodegradable items can clog residential pipes. Small-scale fatbergs cause household plumbing issues before they reach the main sewer line.
How do cities deal with fatbergs?
Municipalities use a combination of high-pressure water jets, manual removal, and public awareness campaigns to combat this problem. Some cities also display these specimens in museums to highlight the problem.
What happens to a fatberg after removal?
Once extracted, these massive blockages are sent to waste processing facilities. In some cases, the congealed fat is converted into biofuel.
Are flushable wipes really safe to flush?
No. Despite marketing claims, flushable wipes do not disintegrate like toilet paper. They contribute significantly to sewer system issues.
Final Thoughts
Fatbergs are a modern sewer crisis, fueled by everyday waste disposal habits. These masses of congealed fat, wet wipes, and other debris clog sewer lines, leading to overflows, environmental hazards, and expensive repairs.
Preventing fatbergs is simple: Dispose of grease and waste properly, avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, and stay informed.
For serious blockages, Clog Wizards provides expert hydro jetting services in Wilmington, DE, and surrounding areas. Don’t let a clogs wreak havoc on your plumbing—contact Clog Wizards today!