Tradie shares horrifying story, warns others to avoid common mistake
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As homeowners, we often take for granted the intricate systems that keep our homes running smoothly.
But a recent incident has highlighted a common mistake that could lead to a messy and costly disaster—as one tradie can attest to.
A tradie is warning homeowners after a disgusting eruption outside a home, emphasising the importance of what we should and should not flush down our toilets.
In what he described as the most challenging sewage blockage of his career, the tradie and his team went to a property where they were greeted by a substance resembling 'chocolate milk' spraying all over.
‘These tenants love to use wet ones and you're going to see why wet wipes are a big, big, big no-no,’ he said.
The cause of the blockage was shocking yet not uncommon: wet wipes, dried-up rags, and even socks had been flushed down the toilet by the residents.
These non-biodegradable items had clogged the pipe, creating a solid mass that was 'absolutely hard as a rock.' The smell was unbearable, a stark reminder that plumbing is not a profession for the faint-hearted.
As the plumber put it: ‘You don't do plumbing for the smell.’
This tradie's experience serves as a cautionary tale for all of us.
Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet can have severe consequences for our home's plumbing and the broader sewage system.
Water suppliers across Australian cities, including Sydney Water, grapple with the removal of hundreds of tonnes of kitchen waste and bathroom products annually. Wet wipes are notorious for causing blockages, despite often being marketed as 'flushable.'
On the same day as the plumber's harrowing experience, Sydney Water released a video showcasing the alarming volume of products they retrieve during water management processes.
‘Although the things you flush may escape your home’s plumbing, once down the drain, they can clump together and cause serious blockages,’ they said.
‘To avoid a nasty surprise in your pipes, only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and (toilet) paper.’
Anything else can lead to blockages that not only disrupt the sewage system but can also result in a nasty surprise.
The financial implications of such a mistake should not be underestimated.
Clearing a blockage can be an expensive ordeal, and if the problem is severe enough, it could lead to significant repair costs. Not to mention the potential health hazards and the unpleasant task of dealing with the aftermath.
It's essential to be mindful of how we dispose of waste.
Educating our families and friends about the dangers of flushing non-degradable items can help prevent these plumbing nightmares. It's a simple act that can save a lot of trouble and expense in the long run.
Remember, if you're ever in doubt about whether something can be flushed, it's better to err on the side of caution and dispose of it in the bin. If you encounter a plumbing issue, don't hesitate to call a professional. It is not worth the risk to your home or your wallet.
Key Takeaways:
Do you have a story, tip, or a similar experience to share? Feel free to post and engage with our community in the comments! Together, we can keep our homes safe and our lives stress-free.
But a recent incident has highlighted a common mistake that could lead to a messy and costly disaster—as one tradie can attest to.
A tradie is warning homeowners after a disgusting eruption outside a home, emphasising the importance of what we should and should not flush down our toilets.
In what he described as the most challenging sewage blockage of his career, the tradie and his team went to a property where they were greeted by a substance resembling 'chocolate milk' spraying all over.
‘These tenants love to use wet ones and you're going to see why wet wipes are a big, big, big no-no,’ he said.
A tradie and his team dealing with a stinky surprise. Credit: TikTok
The cause of the blockage was shocking yet not uncommon: wet wipes, dried-up rags, and even socks had been flushed down the toilet by the residents.
These non-biodegradable items had clogged the pipe, creating a solid mass that was 'absolutely hard as a rock.' The smell was unbearable, a stark reminder that plumbing is not a profession for the faint-hearted.
As the plumber put it: ‘You don't do plumbing for the smell.’
This tradie's experience serves as a cautionary tale for all of us.
Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet can have severe consequences for our home's plumbing and the broader sewage system.
Water suppliers across Australian cities, including Sydney Water, grapple with the removal of hundreds of tonnes of kitchen waste and bathroom products annually. Wet wipes are notorious for causing blockages, despite often being marketed as 'flushable.'
On the same day as the plumber's harrowing experience, Sydney Water released a video showcasing the alarming volume of products they retrieve during water management processes.
‘Although the things you flush may escape your home’s plumbing, once down the drain, they can clump together and cause serious blockages,’ they said.
‘To avoid a nasty surprise in your pipes, only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and (toilet) paper.’
Anything else can lead to blockages that not only disrupt the sewage system but can also result in a nasty surprise.
The financial implications of such a mistake should not be underestimated.
Clearing a blockage can be an expensive ordeal, and if the problem is severe enough, it could lead to significant repair costs. Not to mention the potential health hazards and the unpleasant task of dealing with the aftermath.
It's essential to be mindful of how we dispose of waste.
Educating our families and friends about the dangers of flushing non-degradable items can help prevent these plumbing nightmares. It's a simple act that can save a lot of trouble and expense in the long run.
Remember, if you're ever in doubt about whether something can be flushed, it's better to err on the side of caution and dispose of it in the bin. If you encounter a plumbing issue, don't hesitate to call a professional. It is not worth the risk to your home or your wallet.
Key Takeaways:
- A tradie has warned of the consequences of flushing inappropriate items such as wet wipes and rags down toilets, which can cause severe sewage blockages.
- He shared his experience of being sprayed with waste after attempting to clear an extremely hard blockage caused by such items.
- Sydney Water annually removes hundreds of tonnes of kitchen and bathroom waste that lead to blockages, with wet wipes noted as a notorious culprit.
- To prevent sewage problems, Sydney Water advises residents to only flush the 'three Ps’: pee, poo, and toilet paper.
Do you have a story, tip, or a similar experience to share? Feel free to post and engage with our community in the comments! Together, we can keep our homes safe and our lives stress-free.
