For full clarity this post is in collaboration with Yorkshire Water and although I have received compensation to document this, all words and opinions are my own (oh and I fully back this fantastic campaign!)
Have you ever thought about the damage you do by flushing the wrong things down the loo? I have to admit, I hadn’t given it much thought until recently. When I started to re assess the harm we’re causing the environment by flushing the wrong items, I also started to realise the damage that can be done to our pipes. Now, it may come as no surprise to you, that as a daughter of a Mechanical Engineer that I’ve received quite an education on the matters of plumbing. Living in the Yorkshire region (Hull specifically) I’ve been lectured in the ways of hard water and the routes our pipes take. I’m part of a town in which water is a huge part of who we are, what makes us Hull folk. We were taught fairly early on at school the basics of good water etiquette and so it’s a topic close to my heart. I knew not to flush sanitary products, paper or wipes for fear they wouldn’t disintegrate and that they’d block up those pipes. Now I’m beyond chuffed to say that Yorkshire Water are challenging you to think twice about what you flush.
Yorkshire Water are investing in their current systems and working tirelessly to improve our water systems but they need your help. It’s no surprise that it’s us everyday folk that use these pipes daily need to play our part in improving these system. They’re asking you to consider what happens when you put things like oil and grease in your kitchen sink. Well, it gets a bit murky really doesn’t it ? Sometimes you even get that vulgar bubble pop up to let you know that was a foul move. That ‘blurp’ sound is a little note that your pipes are struggling. Think about how easy it is to run water down the tap safely and smoothly.
I’ve made a pretty simple list here for what’s ok to flush and what’s not:
Yes to: Wee, Pee, Urine, P-P whatever you call it Poo, stools, bowel movements (this post is so medically correct you know) Toilet roll (pref the fully recycled kind if you can splurge)
No to: Pretty much anything else. Just don’t do it okay? Especially wipes (not even the type that say they’re flushable). Us mums really need to play our roll here and my tip is keeping a bin separate for these or disposing of them with your nappies correctly.
Yorkshire Water are asking everyone to take a pledge to see a blockage free Yorkshire and even giving you an opportunity to win an iPhone XS. Just keep an eye on their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook to see where their engagement team is next and grab a snap with the Wipesaur (an 8ft tall Dino fatberg- their words not mine) he is made up of all the things you thought you’d flushed forever. Grab a selfie with him, tag the team and use the phrase “let’s make Yorkshire blockage free!” Use the hashtag #wipesaur and you’re good to post! Winner will be informed on 31st May 2019! Hooorah to a cleaner, safer pipe system!
Violet x
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