Tradespersons who have taken plumber training courses and have approved plumbing qualifications could find that their services are increasingly needed over Christmas.

According to the Consumer Council for Water, close to 200,000 sewers become blocked in Britain each year, with 75 per cent being caused by oil, fats and grease getting stuck in pipes.

This could potentially increase over the yuletide period, with more people having to dispose of fat from the Christmas turkey.

Chief executive of the body Tony Smith commented: "Having your home flooded with sewage is very unpleasant."

"Consumers have a role to play too by disposing of fat, oil and grease responsibly, especially at Christmas," he added.

However, the organisation stated that those who do end up with a blocked pipe need to seek the help of a professional.

The Consumer Council for Water represents sewerage and water consumers in England and Wales, after replacing WaterVoice in 2005.

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