A CAMPAIGN is being launched in Basildon and Canvey to help stop flooding and sewer blockages in thousands of homes.

Anglian Water is writing to 30,000 homes in the two boroughs as part of its Keep It Clear campaign to educate residents on what can and can’t be flushed down the drain.

In Basildon and Canvey there were about 300 avoidable blockages in the sewage system last year caused by residents putting fats and unflushable items down their sinks and toilets.

Fats can solidify, blocking the pipes, often forming giant “fatbergs” which can be difficult to shift.

Even wipes marked “flushable”

or “biodegradable” block up the pipes and should be put in black bags.

The water company is urging people to take greater care over what they flush to enable the sewage and surface water system to operate at their optimum capacity.

Anglian Water spokeswoman Rachel Dyson said: “By not putting things like food, fats and wipes down our sinks and loos, we can all help avoid blocked pipes, and the sewer flooding, inconvenience pollution and bad smells that result.

“Clearing sewer blockages costs a huge amount of time and money, which could be better spent on improving the services we provide to customers.

“This campaign is about getting everyone to understand the responsibility we all share to keep the sewers flowing and protect ourselves and our neighbours from the misery and inconvenience of sewer flooding.”

For more information visit www.keep-it-clear.co.uk Customers are also reminded to call Anglian Water on 08457 145145 immediately if they think they have a problem with their drains.