Stubborn Fatbergs
Stubborn Fatbergs | Drain Opening | Plumbing | Bristol
When Bristol’s sewers seize up with stubborn fatbergs, HEP’s veteran plumbers dive straight into the grime. Armed with high-pressure jetting rigs, CCTV diagnostics, and years of local know-how, we slice through congealed cooking grease, wipes, and restaurant waste before they flood your business or home. Think of us as the emergency service for everything beneath the manhole cover—rapid, respectful, and a little bit relentless.
From 24/7 call-outs to scheduled maintenance, our drain opening experts turn chaos into clear, free-flowing pipework in a single visit. Transparent pricing, eco-friendly disposal, and a workmanship guarantee mean you’re not just buying a one-off fix; you’re investing in Bristol’s clean, clog-free future.
FAQs
What is a fatberg and why does it block drains?
A fatberg is a large, solid mass made up of congealed cooking oils, fats, grease, wet wipes, and other non-biodegradable items that stick together inside pipes. Over time, these materials harden, narrowing the pipe’s diameter until wastewater can no longer pass through. Because Bristol’s sewers are a mix of Victorian brickwork and modern plastic pipes, fatbergs can form quickly and cause severe blockages, unpleasant odours, and even localised flooding if not removed promptly.
How do I know if my Bristol property is suffering from a fatberg blockage?
Common warning signs include slow-draining sinks or toilets, gurgling sounds from plugholes, bad smells rising from drains, and water backing up when appliances empty. If more than one fixture shows symptoms at the same time—especially at ground-floor or basement level—it usually indicates a main drain obstruction such as a fatberg rather than a minor internal blockage. Our engineers can confirm the diagnosis with a same-day CCTV drain survey.
What techniques do you use to break up and remove stubborn fatbergs?
We combine high-pressure water jetting (HPWJ) with mechanical root-cutting heads to emulsify and break down the fatberg, then vacuum-extract the debris using a specialist tanker. For very compacted masses, we may use an eco-friendly bio-enzyme pre-treatment that helps dissolve grease before jetting. All wastewater and solids removed are transported to a licensed waste facility for safe disposal, ensuring compliance with Environment Agency regulations.
Will the removal process damage my pipes or cause a mess on site?
No. High-pressure jetting is calibrated to your pipe material and diameter, so it scours the blockage without harming the pipe wall. Mechanical cutters are only used if the pipe condition allows. All work is carried out via existing access points (manholes or rodding eyes), so there is no digging unless a section of pipe is already broken. Any waste extracted is contained within sealed tanks, leaving your property clean and odour-free once the job is done.
How quickly can you attend a fatberg emergency in Bristol and what does it cost?
We operate a 24/7 emergency call-out service across Bristol, usually arriving within 60–90 minutes of your call. Standard weekday rates start from £95+VAT for diagnosis and the first hour of jetting. More complex fatberg removals that require tanker extraction or extensive jetting are quoted on site before work begins, so you know the full cost up front. All prices include disposal fees, CCTV re-inspection, and a written report for your records.
How can I stop another fatberg from forming in my drains?
Dispose of cooking fats, oils, and grease in a sealed container and place it in the general waste rather than pouring it down the sink. Only flush the ‘3 Ps’—pee, poo, and paper; all wipes, sanitary items, and cotton buds belong in the bin even if labelled ‘flushable’. For commercial kitchens, install a grease trap and arrange regular servicing. We also offer annual preventative jetting and enzyme dosing programmes to keep Bristol drains clear year-round.