What Is a Fatberg?

A fatberg is a congealed mass of fat, oil, grease, and non-biodegradable items (especially wet wipes) that builds up inside drains and sewers. The term became famous after massive fatbergs were discovered in London's sewer system, but smaller fatbergs regularly form in residential and commercial drainage, causing blockages and backups.

What to Look For

• Fats, oils and grease (FOG) solidify when they cool inside pipes
• Wet wipes, cotton buds and sanitary items bind with the grease
• The mass grows over time, gradually restricting pipe flow
• Eventually the fatberg blocks the pipe entirely
• Commercial kitchens are the biggest contributors to fatberg formation
• Even small amounts of grease build up over months and years

How We Diagnose the Problem

CCTV surveys reveal fat buildup inside pipes — from thin grease coatings to pipe-blocking masses. We assess the extent of the buildup and determine whether simple jetting will clear it or whether more intensive cleaning is needed.

How We Fix It

We clear fat deposits using high-pressure jetting with hot water and specialist descaling nozzles. For severe buildup, electro-mechanical cutting equipment breaks down the mass before jetting flushes it away. We advise on prevention measures to stop fatbergs reforming.