If you suspect that you do have a blockage issue (water failing to drain away properly or a consistently foul smell coming from the sink, toilet or drains) then it’s worth dealing with that before it becomes a bigger issue.
It is estimated that disposal of ‘flushable’ wipes down the toilet could account for up to 93% of blockages.
Is it worth risking ‘flushable’ wipes?
We would urge caution against flushing anything other than toilet tissue down the lavatory. If you must use them and even if the packaging states that the wipes are flushable or calls them ‘moist toilet tissue’, it is advisable to dispose of them in the bin rather than the toilet. That goes for anything else as well including tissues, cotton buds and sanitary items; all of which are bad news for drains. Water companies advise that only the ‘3 Ps’ should ever go down the toilet: Pee, Poo and Paper!
The environmental impact of wipes
Drain blockages are not the only issue related to wet wipes being flushed. We’re all now aware of the problems that plastics cause in our seas and rivers and while many of us are trying to help the environment by reducing the amount of single use plastic we buy, such as straws and drinks bottles, we could be doing just as much damage with wet wipes which contain tiny plastic fibres. These end up in our waters which in turn can be ingested by bird and marine life and ultimately ending up in our food chain.
In conclusion, whether you are motivated by avoiding the cost and damage of flooding, by looking after the planet, or both, then the best course of action is to not flush any kind of wipe down the toilet.
If you suspect that you do have a blockage issue (water failing to drain away properly or a consistently foul smell coming from the sink, toilet or drains) then it’s worth dealing with that before it becomes a bigger issue. Call Tony from Tony's Plumbing. 0829552865
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