Why You Should Never Flush Wipes (or Anything Else That Isn’t Toilet Paper!)

At Plumbers Please, we see this all too often, blocked drains caused by wipes (including ‘flushable wipes’) paper towels, sanitary items and other bathroom items that just weren’t meant to go down the loo.

All those tangled, dirty cloths you see? They’re wipes that had been flushed over time and built up in the drain, causing a major blockage and overflow.

The Problem

Even though many wipes are labelled “flushable,” they don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they clump together inside pipes, catching onto tree roots, grease, and other debris.

Over time, this forms a solid blockage that can:

• Cause your toilet to back up or overflow
• Lead to bad smells and slow drainage
• Damage your pipes or require costly jetting and repairs
• Even create big blockages in council sewer mains

What NOT to Flush

Here’s a quick list of common culprits:

• Baby wipes and cleaning wipes
• Paper towels, tissues, and makeup remover pads
• Cotton buds, sanitary items, and dental floss
• Nappies or liners
• Anything labelled “flushable” that isn’t toilet paper only

What You SHOULD Do

• Only flush the 3 P’s: Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper
• Keep a small bin in your bathroom for wipes and hygiene products
• Remind kids and guests what belongs in the bin, not the bowl