01/08/2022
by The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
Don't be a wet wipe - throw them in the bin
THE PLUMBERS, GASFITTERS AND DRAINLAYERS BOARD — JUL 22, 2022
Wet wipes and nappy liners should not end up in the wastewater system – let's work together to educate the public.
Plumbers and drainlayers know all too well wet wipes and nappy liners should not end up in the wastewater system – they should be disposed of in the rubbish.
When working with clients it's important to make them aware of the monetary, environmental and physical consequences that flushing wet wipes could have. A tenant was recently ordered to pay over $1200 in damages caused by flushing wet wipes. This is just one small example of some of the impacts that flushing wet wipes could have.
A common misconception to discuss with clients.
Many wet wipe brands label their products "safe to flush". A statement that is commonly misunderstood by customers. These packets often hide the details in the fine print. Most packets will specify that only one wipe should be flushed at a time.
Even then, these wipes generally contain plastic so do not break down in the sewer as toilet roll does. Flushed wet wipes don't disintegrate and stay in the system for a long time - before eventually ending up in the sea or clogging up river banks.
