MidCoast Council is urging residents to follow three simple, easily achievable P rules - only flush pee, poo and paper down the toilet - after a marked increase in sewer blockages as a result of so-called 'flushable' wipes.
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A blockage can effectively shut down the movement of sewage through the system, MidCoast Council infrastructure and engineering services director, Rob Scott said.
"Despite these wipes being advertised as 'flushable', there are no wipes that are suitable for flushing down the toilet," Mr Scott said.
He described the process of unblocking sewer pipes as a disgusting job.
Council staff have to hoist the pump out of the ground from depths of up to 10 metres before removing the 'choke' manually.
It's also expensive and time consuming, Mr Scott said.
"Normal maintenance includes our staff checking sewer pumps about once a fortnight; there's normally just a hose-off of domestic fat residue required.
Recently we've been deploying staff every second day to some pump locations to remove blockages due to people flushing wipes, sanitary items and sometimes nappies down the toilet.
- Rob Scott
"But, recently we've been deploying staff every second day to some pump locations to remove blockages due to people flushing wipes, sanitary items and sometimes nappies down the toilet."
Several major pipe blockages have occurred in recent times at Tuncurry, Tallwoods and Wingham.
"Unlike toilet paper, wipes do not disintegrate in water.
"They stay pretty much intact as they travel through the sewer pipes and can get caught on other debris.
"This increases the likelihood of a blockage in the sewer pipes which can cause costly damage to pumps or lead to sewer overflows - which have the potential to impact on the environment."
Mr Scott advised to throw any cleaning/disinfectant wipes, moist towelettes, personal hygiene products, baby wipes and any other type of wipe into the garbage, never the toilet.
Clogged sewer lines are ugly and expensive to fix, he said.
"Binning disposable wipes is an easy way to protect our sewer system, our environment and prevent unnecessary trouble."
However, Mr Scott reminded residents that using these products also contributed to landfill waste, which in turn was not ideal for the environment.
Catch up:
This contributes to the NSW Government waste levy that ratepayers pay on all landfill waste, he said.
"It's really a case of old fashioned toilet habits are best; avoid new flushable wipe products if you can.
"And, if you must use them, they go in the garbage, not the toilet."
For additional information visit the MidCoast Council sewer protection in your home page.
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