What NOT to Flush Down Your Toilet During Toilet Paper Shortages

What not to flush down my toilet?

Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down quickly in the sewer system. Flushing wipes down your toilet, even if labelled ‘flushable’, can cause problems with your plumbing, and can contribute to blocked sewers and be expensive to repair.

Other things that must NOT be flushed down the toilet:

• Tissues
• News Paper
• Wet Wipes
• Sanitising Wipes
• Paper Towel
• Sanitary Ware
• Cleaning Cloths
• Rags

What are the effects of flushing these items down my toilet?

Australia’s sewer systems are a complex network of pipes and pumps and when items such as tissues, news paper, paper towel, cleaning cloths, wet wipes and rags etc. are flushed down your toilet, they enter the sewer system wreaking havoc, causing blocked drains and damaging pipework and pumps. These items can stick to the walls of the drainage system causing clogged drains. They not only effect your own personal sewer systems, but can block up complete networks effecting many homes and businesses

The damage to private sewer systems and pipes in your home can be very disruptive and expensive to repair.

Note: When oil and grease enter our sewer system mixing with water and non-soluble products as mentioned above. This then hardens and forms what is called a Fatberg in the drain and can cause extensive damage.

What can I use if I have no toilet paper?

If you have run out of toilet paper, and have no other choice, then washable cloth and baby wipes or wet wipes are the best choice. However, you will need to ensure these go in the rubbish when disposing of them, not down the toilet.

For a longer-term solution, Sustainability Victoria recommends installing a bidet or using re-usable cloth toilet paper.

Remember the 3 x Ps

The recommendation from our water authority is to only flush the 3 Ps down your toilet; Pee, Poo and Paper (Toilet).

When to Call a Plumber:

If your drains do become blocked from flushing non-soluble items down it, then you will need to call a master plumber.

At Essendon Plumbing Services, we have the correct drain cleaning equipment needed to clear stubborn blockages. Electric drain cleaners and high-pressure water jets will be able to cut through the Fatbergs and obstructions and clean out your drains. We won’t leave a job until our CCTV inspection shows that your drain has been completely cleared.

Call Essendon Plumbing Services on 1300 231 976 or book online to have your blocked toilet cleared 24/7, 365 days of the year.