Households across the west are being reminded not to flush items that could be used as an alternative to loo roll during shortages brought about by the coronavirus panic buying.
Wessex Water is urging its customers to bin alternatives such as kitchen roll and wet wipes, even if they are branded “flushable”.
The company advises that only the three Ps – paper, poo and pee – should be flushed in order to avoid sewer blockages, prevent sewage backing up into homes and protect the environment.
George Taylor, Wessex Water’s director of sewerage, said: “We have been receiving a higher than normal number of enquiries from customers asking if it is okay to flush kitchen roll and wet wipes, as they have been unable to purchase toilet paper.
“Our simple message is if you are using these items, please put them in the bin, rather than flushing them. They are designed to stay intact, unlike toilet paper which can break down in the sewers.
“If a sewer blockage occurs outside your home, it could result in sewage backing up through your pipes, which would not only be extremely unpleasant, but also costly to resolve.”
Each year Wessex Water is called out to 13,000 blockages across the region, costing £5million to resolve.
With many of its customers spending much more time at home on lockdown, the company is stressing now more than ever the importance of flushing responsibly.
George added: “If a public sewer blockage occurs while we are in the lockdown period, it may take longer for us to resolve it, as we will need to visit at time that minimises physical interaction with customers.”
Households who experience sewage flooding in their home as a result of a blockage should contact a WaterSafe approved plumber immediately. Visit watersafe.org.uk
More information can be found at wessexwater.co.uk/stoptheblock