Category Archives: General

06 Mar

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  • Unused medication can destroy bacteria, contaminate groundwater and impact wildlife – always bring out-of-date/unused medicine to your local pharmacy for safe disposal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