The Do’s and Don’ts of Flushing

Have you ever wondered what happens after you flush the toilet? It’s one of those everyday actions we hardly think about, but believe us, what goes down the drain matters a lot more than you might think! So let’s talk about it…

The Hidden Villains… Wipes and Sanitary Products

Let’s face it, wipes are super convenient. They’re great for quick clean-ups, removing makeup and even for that extra fresh feeling. But here’s the catch, unlike toilet paper, wipes don’t break down in water. This includes those so-called “flushable” wipes. Once flushed, they can cling together, forming tough clumps that can clog up your plumbing system. The same goes for sanitary products like pads and tampons. These items are designed to absorb moisture, not disintegrate in it!

The Plumbing Nightmare

Imagine this, you’re going about your day when suddenly, you notice the water level in your toilet rising. Panic sets in as you realise a blockage is forming. That blockage could very well be caused by non-flushable items. These pesky products can create massive clogs in your pipes, leading to expensive repairs and a whole lot of stress. Worse yet, if you have a septic system, these items can cause even more damage, filling up your tank and leading to overflow or system failure.

Environmental Impact

Now, let’s zoom out and think beyond our washrooms. When non-flushable items make it past our plumbing, they often end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Here, they pose a significant threat to marine life. Wipes, sanitary products and other plastics can be mistaken for food by fish and other sea creatures, leading to injury or even death. Plus, they contribute to the growing problem of ocean pollution, making our beautiful waters a floating landfill.

What Should You Flush?

The golden rule is simple, only flush toilet paper and human waste. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly in water, preventing clogs and keeping your pipes happy. Everything else – wipes, sanitary products, paper towels and even dental floss should go in the bin.

Tips for a Flush-Friendly Washroom

• Use Clear Labels: Consider placing a friendly reminder in your washrooms. A simple sign can prevent accidental flushes of non-flushable items.
• Provide Disposal Options: Ensure there’s a sanitary waste bin available in every washroom. This makes it easy for everyone to dispose of wipes and sanitary products properly.
• Go Green: Look into biodegradable wipes. They’re not flushable either, but they’re a better option for the environment when disposed of properly.

Join Us in Protecting Our Plumbing and Planet

By making small changes in our flushing habits, we can make a big difference. Protect your plumbing, save money and help keep our waterways clean. It’s a win-win!

If you are looking for washroom services in Oxford, Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire, Leicester, Northampton, Nottingham or elsewhere in the UK, please contact our friendly team. We’d love to hear from you.