Its been a hot topic for some time now with the news that Flushable Wet Wipes are causing untold damage to our drainage systems. Wet wipes are often described as "flushable" on the packaging, the reality however is very different! The wipes will often get stuck in the pipes and further along in the drains causing blockages. The BBC has conducted its own report and findings and have concluded that 93% of blockages are caused by wipes.
Every day, Water Companies such as Thames Water removes 30 tonnes of wet wipes and sanitary towels which congeal to form fatbergs and clog up the sewage systems. Home owners up and down the country are being encouraged to "bin it, not block it".
Wet wipes are getting snagged and then are slowing down the water around them creating turbulence, by doing this they therefore attract even more wet wipes and more sediment to accumulates around them causing the blockages.
Matt Wheeldon, a Director at Wessex Water, has tried to push for action to prevent wipes being labelled as "Flushable".
He said: "I think they're a complete scourge on our society."Whoever came up with the bad idea didn't think about the impact they're going to have on the environment."
Meanwhile, wipes which escape the filters have an even greater environmental impact, ending up in rivers and on beaches.
The future hope is that scientists can produce a wipe that would fully break down when flushed. Industry testing is underway and the findings show that a product that can flush correctly is on the horizon but is not currently available in the UK.
BBC Radio 4 - Costing the Earth is airing a programme that discusses this issue on November the 13th and 14th you will find it repeated there.
Here at Metro Rod Cambridge, we are used to relieving the local areas sewers of said wet wipes that have caused drainage blockages. We provide a 365/24/7 unblocking service to the local area of Ely, Cambridge, Kings Lynn, Downham Market, Kings Lynn, Bury St Edmunds, Thetford, Hunstanton, Royston and all the villages in between. If you are experiencing a blockage that could be caused by wet wipes, please do get in touch and we can sort out the issue quickly and effectively.
A property owner is likely to be responsible for drains within the property boundaries serving it. For both residential and commercial properties - a clear message is being offered - Don't put wet wipes down the toilet - think of the 3 P rule - only Pee, Poo and Paper!
For Business users, Metro Rod can provided a bespoke Pre-Planned Maintenance Package to minimise disruption and help maintain the drainage and toilet systems. Please get in touch with us if you would like some advice for your business how best you can keep your flow!
If you are purchasing a new property and would like to take advantage of our Home Buyers CCTV Drainage Survey, this will provide you with peace of mind that nothing unexpected will appear down the line (no pun intended). Many insurance companies and Mortgage Providers will insist that such a survey is carried out for properties of a certain age.
If we can assist you with any of the above, please feel free to get in touch
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