ENGINEERS are called out to solve a major drain blockage in Caversham's sewers once a week, it has been revealed.

Harmful fatbergs and other large items have left thousands of people without water and Thames Water is launching a campaign to reduce the number of callouts to the 'hotspot' area.

In the last three years alone 32 houses have been flooded with sewage waste as a result of fat being dumped down drains.

The water company says the problem is 'wreaking havoc' on Caversham's sewers and is hoping the 'Bin it - don't block it' campaign will relieve the problem.

Matt Rimmer, head of sewer networks for Thames Water, said: “Often people don’t realise the consequences of putting things other than human waste and toilet paper down their toilets and drains, but it is time for everyone to understand and take action.

“It is not just fat that’s the problem but wipes, often labelled flushable are a massive issue too.They may disappear when you flush the toilet, but they don’t break down in the sewer pipes.

“We are lobbying manufacturers, government and retailers to correctly label the wipes to change what they are made from.

“Thames Water is also keen to dispel a number of myths around what can and can’t be put into the sewers, including the belief that putting washing up liquid down the sink will stop fat blockages.”

Caversham has been singled out as an area of concern and throughout the campaign a series of billboards and posters will display the 'don't block it' tagline.

Thames Water currently spends £1m every month clearing blocked drains, with nearly 200 blockages reported every day.

Postcards will be sent to hundreds of homes to encourage people to stop dumping harmful materials, including wipes previously labelled as safe to flush down toilets.

Blocked drains have been caused by items such as nappies, condoms and sanitary towels being flushed instead of being put in the bin.