Think before flushing
With some recent pipe blockages in the community, below is some useful advice from Uisce Eireann on flushing. Only flush toilet paper and natural waste.
- Wipes do not disintegrate when flushed and are often found on our beaches entangled in seaweed
- Cotton bud sticks are made of plastic and can last a very long time on our beaches
- Cotton wool gathers together in U-bends and can cause blockages and flooding
- Unused medication can destroy bacteria, contaminate groundwater and impact wildlife – always bring out-of-date/unused medicine to your local pharmacy for safe disposal
- Hair flushed down the toilet it can form giant balls which trap odours and can cause blockages in pipes
- Plasters are made from non-biodegradable plastic and can cause blockages when clumped with other items
- Dental floss is not biodegradable and if flushed can wrap itself around other objects in the pipes causing blockages
- Disposable nappies are made from plastic which expands when wet and cause major blockages in U-bends
