Carlisle residents warned not to throw vapes down the drain

Residents around Carlisle are being reminded of what not to flush down the loo after a large quantity of vapes were found in the sewer network.

United Utilities found more than 50 vapes had caused a blockage at a pumping station in Dalston earlier this month.  An increasing number are also being found at treatment works across the region having made their way through the sewers.  

As well as causing blockages like the one seen at Dalston, there is a risk of the vapes catching fire due to the lithium batteries found in them. 

The recent trend comes in addition to more than 800 blockages United Utilities has dealt with in the Carlisle area in the last year due to things that shouldn’t have entered the sewer network.   Wet wipes, cotton pads and nappies, grease from roasting tins and leftover food are just some of the key culprits causing drains and pipes to clog, back up and overflow.

Andrew Kendall, Wastewater Lead for Cumbria at United Utilities, said: “The issue of vapes being disposed of into the sewer network is a trend that we’ve started to see over the last few years as they’ve grown in popularity. 

“We’d like to remind people that they shouldn’t be flushed down the loo or chucked down drains.  Flushing only the three Ps – pee, poo and paper (toilet) keeps pipes flowing smoothly and ensures we can dedicate resource to improving other areas of the network.”

To find out what you can and can’t dispose of down your pipes and drains, go to www.unitedutilities.com/stoptheblock.