Prevenitng Drain Blockages
Keeping Shorefield Flowing: Help Us Prevent Drain Blockages
At Shorefield Country Park, we work hard to keep everything running smoothly—especially our drainage systems. Unfortunately, one issue we face far too often is blocked pipes. These blockages don’t just cause bad smells and backed-up toilets—they can lead to costly repairs and environmental harm.
What Causes Blockages?
Over the years, our maintenance team has dealt with everything from “fatbergs” to full-on sewer overflows. Here’s what commonly causes the trouble:
- Wet wipes (even “flushable” ones), sanitary items, cotton buds and plasters.
- Fat, oil and grease from cooking, along with leftover food scraps.
These don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they clog pipes and combine into thick, sticky blockages that stop the flow completely.
What’s at Risk? When drains back up, it affects everyone—guests, staff, and even the surrounding environment. Untreated wastewater can overflow and pollute local streams and wildlife areas. Repairs are disruptive, and they aren’t cheap.
What Can You Do? To help us keep Shorefield clean and blockage-free, please follow these simple tips:
- Flush the Three Ps Only: Pee, poo, and (toilet) paper—nothing else belongs down the toilet.
- In the Kitchen: Bin it, don’t block it. Pour fats, oils, and food waste into a bin, not the sink. Use a kitchen strainer to catch bits.
- Use Bathroom Bins: Please use a bathroom bin for wipes, sanitary products, cotton buds, and anything else that shouldn’t be flushed.
Our Commitment
We regularly inspect and maintain our systems, but prevention is the best solution.
Thanks to everyone doing their part, we’ve already seen fewer blockages across the park, but we can go further—with your help. A little care goes a long way. By making small changes in your bathroom and kitchen habits, you can help us avoid major problems—and protect the beautiful surroundings we all come here to enjoy.
Dave Black, Group Head of Health and Estates