ANGLIAN water is encouraging residents to help keep drains this Christmas.

The drainage company is asking Christmas cooks this year to stop those warm fats and oils from escaping down the sink.

When fat is poured into the sink it appears to drain away easily, however once this hits the cold pipes this fat will quickly cool down and harden against the wall of the sewer, possibly leading to blockages.

Nobody wants to put their homes and gardens at increased risk of sewer flooding at this festive time of year.

Anglian Water’s Emma Staples said: “The average turkey produces ¾ of a pint of fat when cooked at Christmas lunch.

“The fat which comes from a Turkey and Goose is best placed crisping up those roast potatoes on Christmas Day, rather than down the sink.

“The fats which get into the pipes causes major headache for both our workforce and customers.

“Roughly 20,000 tonnes of fats and oils find their way into our region’s sewers yearly which causes us blockages and ultimately lead to sewage spills.

“As a result of this, customers are left with the repair bill and inconvenience - not the surprise Christmas gift you were hoping for.”