If your toilet has been draining slowly or making strange noises, it may indicate a serious problem with wastewater systems in Australia. Blockages occur when unwanted items obstruct the wastewater flow, often causing overflows or dysfunction. While some clogs are due to tree roots or heavy rainfall, a significant number stem from improper disposal practices, such as flushing unsuitable items down toilets.
Sydney Water has highlighted that non-flushable wet wipes are responsible for 75% of waste clogs in its service area, costing around $27 million annually just to manage these blockages in New South Wales. Despite this, many Australians unknowingly flush items that should not go down the toilet, such as earbuds, dental floss, and, notably, wet wipes.
The Australian and New Zealand Flushable Products Standard outlines strict criteria for flushable items, which should pass a series of tests. However, even those marked as “flushable” may still lead to blockages later in the system. Experts advise that, to help prevent costly plumbing issues, it’s safest to only flush the “three Ps”: pee, poo, and toilet paper.
Signs of a blockage can include slow-draining sinks, overflowing toilets, gurgling sounds, and wastewater overflows outdoors. Blockages on private property can lead to expensive clean-up costs, which are not covered by water utilities. Expert Ben Armstrong from Sydney Water emphasises that it is far cheaper to prevent blockages by adhering to proper disposal methods than to deal with the aftermath.
To further mitigate this issue, residents should refrain from pouring fats, oils, or grease down sinks, which can combine with waste and create fatbergs—large clogs that are both challenging and costly to remove. Armstrong encourages Australians to be vigilant about what goes down their toilets and drains, advocating for the reduction of non-flushable items and better management of household waste.
In summary, maintaining the integrity of wastewater systems involves understanding what can and cannot be flushed. By strictly adhering to disposing of only pee, poo, and toilet paper, not only will individuals save money on plumbing expenses, but they will also contribute to the overall health of Australia’s wastewater infrastructure and the environment.