Brits have been urged not to make this common mistake with the loo, or they will end up paying £3,000 to amend it. According to an expert, severe blockages in the loo could lead to expensive repairs, burning a hole in the monthly budget.
Wet wipes, cooking grease, sanitary products, and hair are the worst culprits for damaging home plumbing systems and causing extensive property damage. Experts have urged that several products marketed as ‘flushable’ actually cause significant harm to both home drainage systems and public sewers.
Experts have warned that flushable wet wipes are one of the most problematic items causing severe blockages in UK homes.
Despite marketing claims on packaging, wet wipes are one of the most problematic items causing severe blockages in UK homes.
Unlike toilet paper, which disintegrates quickly in water, wet wipes remain intact throughout the sewage system.
Peter Jones from ADI Leak Detection, a UK-based specialist company focusing on non-invasive detection and repair of water leaks said: “These wipes don’t break down like toilet paper – they clump together in pipes, catching other debris and creating what we in the industry call ‘fatbergs.’
“Wet wipes account for approximately 93% of material in sewer blockages according to water industry research.”
A pipe replacement would ideally cost somewhere between £1,000-£3,000 or more, while a property damage from sewage backflow may cost around £2,000-£5,000.
Mr Jones explained: “Most people have no idea that flushing certain everyday items can lead to such severe consequences. The items I see causing the most expensive drainage nightmares are products many Britons use daily.
“When sewage backs up into a home due to blocked pipes, the damage can be extensive. Beyond the repair costs, consider the disruption to your life – unusable bathrooms, damaged flooring, and potential health hazards from raw sewage. Insurance may not cover these costs if the damage is found to be due to improper use of your plumbing system.”
