Water company shows stomach-churning result of flushing wet wipes down the loo

12 February 2023 , 23:07

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Seven Trent has shared photos of skips full of revolting waste caused by people flushing wipes down the loo (Image: Severn Trent)

A waste company has shared revolting photos of skips full of sewage caused by people flushing wet wipes down the toilet.

Water company Severn Trent has shared the images with a warning to only put the 'three Ps' down the toilet - pee, poo and (toilet) paper.

Putting anything else down the toilet can cause massive blockages, the company has said.

It has also warned about pouring fats, oils and other grease down your sink as this can cause major problems known as 'fatbergs'.

Grant Mitchell, of Severn Trent, told Leicestershire Live: “Wipes are one of the biggest problems causing sewer blockages. People flush them down the toilet and don’t think about the impact.

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"Unlike toilet paper, wipes don’t break up or dissolve, so they easily get stuck in drains and sewers causing blockages.

The revolting waste caused by people flushing wet wipes down the loo (Severn Trent)

"The huge amount of rag in the skips, like the ones pictured, builds up weekly and are a consequence of people flushing the odd wipe down the toilet here and there, not realising the impact it can have.

"Blockages can cause sewage to back up into people’s homes, the street or even into the local environment and it’s totally avoidable. Our advice always is to stick to flushing the three P’s (pee, poo and toilet paper) and bin anything else.

"These relatively small changes will make a big difference and hopefully avoid any future blockages. Fats, oils and greases incorrectly poured down the sink can attach to wipes and cause fatbergs."

Severn Trent has reminded people that they are responsible for the waste pipe running away from their home up until it either crosses the property boundary or meets another waste pipe or sewer.

Mr Mitchell added: “We often hear that people don’t realise they’re responsible for the waste pipe running away from their home. Unblocking or repairing this section of pipe can be costly, which nobody wants right now.

"So this is another reason why it’s worth thinking about what you’re flushing down the toilet. If customers could spread these messages with their friends, family and neighbours it will help us tackle this problem much quicker and would mean fewer blockage nightmares.”

If customers do run into problems, either slow drains or a blocked sewer which is Severn Trent’s responsibility they can be reported at www.stwater.co.uk or by calling 0800 783 4444.

Corey Bedford