Sewage blockages tackled with 'baby hedgehog' tool

Thames Water has been deploying "baby hedgehogs" in the battle against blocked sewage pipes.

The unique tools, which are covered in spine-like metal spikes, are lowered into narrow pipes to dredge up wet wipes and other debris.

They aim to clear obstructions before before they lead to more serious issues in the network - like sewage backing into people's homes.

Thames Water said wet wipes remain a major cause of sewer blockages, contributing to an estimated £40 million in damage to roads and property each year.

"Even the smallest tools can make a huge difference to our network," said Alex Dudfield, from Thames Water.

"Our new baby hedgehogs allow us to reach parts of the sewer system that were previously difficult to clear.

"They help us work out where the wipes are coming from which means we can talk to the right people and stop blockages before they cause real problems.

"By tackling wipes at the source, we're protecting homes, the environment and the wider network."

The baby hedgehog is a smaller, 10cm-long version of an initial hedgehog-style tool Thames Water began using in 2025.

Thames Water said 20,000 sewer monitors across London and the Thames Valley were allowing it to target problem areas more effectively.

It said it has already cleared more than 18,000 blockages this year - amounting to more than 200 each day.

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