What Not to Flush: Protecting Your Drains and the Environment
You might think your toilet can handle anything you flush down it, but that’s a common misconception. Every year, improper flushing leads to thousands of drain blockages and contributes to environmental issues like fatbergs and water pollution. At Metro Rod, we’re on a mission to help you understand what not to flush and why it matters.
Common Items You Should Never Flush:
- Wet Wipes Even those labelled “flushable” don’t break down like toilet paper. They clump together and cause stubborn blockages.
- Nappies and Sanitary Products Highly absorbent and bulky, these items can cause instant clogs.
- Cotton Buds and Dental Floss These items tangle together in pipes, trapping other waste and forming larger blockages.
- Fat, Oil & Grease (FOG) When poured down the sink, these cool and solidify, forming the infamous fatbergs that block entire sewer systems.
Why It Matters
Improper disposal leads to:
- Costly plumbing repairs
- Environmental damage
- Sewer overflows and flooding
Sustainable Drainage Habits
- Use a bin for wipes, nappies, and sanitary products.
- Pour cooled fat, oil, and grease into a container and dispose of it in the bin.
- Install strainers in sinks and showers to catch food and hair.
- Educate your household or staff about the 3 Ps rule: Only flush pee, poo, and paper.
Metro Rod Can Help If you’re dealing with frequent blockages or want to ensure your drainage system is in good shape, we offer expert CCTV drain surveys, preventative maintenance, and emergency unblocking services across the UK.
Let’s work together to reduce waste, avoid blockages, and protect our environment.
Talk to your local Metro Rod specialist
We are always happy to arrange a free site assessment and no obligation quotations for any work you might need. Alternatively, you can call our emergency hotline number on 0800 66 88 00
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