Common household item banned from royal homes
An ex-Buckingham Palace cleaner has revealed the common item banned from all royal bathrooms.
An ex-Buckingham Palace cleaner has revealed the common item banned from all royal bathrooms.
Anne Simmons, 57, from Berkshire told Plumbworld that disposable wet wipes have been removed from royal homes because they cause “significant plumbing issues”.
While wet wipes may seem convenient for quick clean-ups, it appears they generate more harm than many realise, especially when flushed down the toilet, The US Sun reports.
“At the palace, wet wipes caused significant plumbing issues,” the former royal maid said.
“Despite being advertised as ‘flushable,’ they don’t break down in the system like toilet paper does.
“This led to repeated blockages and costly plumbing repairs.
“It became clear that they simply weren’t worth the trouble.”
Ms Simmons said the palace avoids using wipes and has switched to reusable cleaning cloths.
“Not only did this prevent plumbing issues, but it also saved money in the long term by reducing the need for frequent repairs,” she said.
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The real damage wet wipes do to plumbing
Wet wipes have become one of the top causes of plumbing blockages in households and businesses alike. The product also poses some other very serious risks.
Non-biodegradable wipes take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to landfill waste and water pollution.
They can also harm marine life when flushed into rivers and oceans.
As well as this, wet wipes combine with grease and debris to form fatbergs, causing severe blockages in sewer systems and costly repairs.
Additionally, wet wipes can lead to increased water treatment costs, as they put strain on sewage treatment plants.
They also pose a threat to wildlife, as animals can mistake wet wipes for food, leading to ingestion and potential harm or death.
Plumber’s perspective on wet wipes
James Clarkson, a professional UK plumber with over 15 years of experience, shared his expert perspective on the damage caused by wet wipes.
“In many homes, wet wipes have become a major cause of plumbing issues,” he said.
“Even though they may say ‘flushable,’ these wipes don’t break down like toilet paper, and over time, they accumulate and cause severe blockages.
“I’ve had to clear fatbergs created by wipes on multiple occasions, and the cost of repairs can be substantial.”
Mr Clarkson advised: “The key is to avoid flushing them. Wet wipes should never be disposed of in the toilet, even if they claim to be ‘flushable.’
“Always throw them in the bin. And, if you need to use wipes, consider biodegradable alternatives that won’t cause the same problems.”
Protect your home’s plumbing
A spokesperson from Plumbworld commented: “Making small changes, like disposing of wet wipes properly, can prevent plumbing issues and save you money in the long run.”
In Australia, it’s advised not to flush wet wipes, especially those labelled “flushable” as they may cause blockages in plumbing systems.
According to tunnelvision.com.au, all types of wet wipes belong in the bin.
The website states that “if they’re labelled as flushable, the risk they pose to plumbing and sewer systems is too significant to ignore.”
Parts of this story first appeared in The US Sun and was republished with permission.
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Originally published as Common household item banned from royal homes
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