What happens to the current labeled "flushable products" once they are flushed?

When people flush wet wipes, cat litter, and other insoluble products down the toilet, they don't just disappear. These items form clumps of congealed material that block sewers and cause serious problems.

One of the major resulting issues is the build-up of ‘fatbergs’. What is a fatberg you say?

These are large masses and clumps of oils, fats, and other insoluble materials that can cause sewage backups and flooding.

Large, dangerous masses of waste causing the events of Titanic and their ‘iceberg’ all over again, however, in the sewers of homes and cities!

The best way to avoid these problems is to dispose of flushable products properly.

Sanitary products labeled as flushable should be thrown in the trash, not flushed down the toilet. When it comes to flushable products, we would argue that there are certain items that should not be flushed down the toilet. We encourage people to stick to simply flushing the "Three Ps"-pee, poo, and (toilet) paper.

Flushing other items, such as sanitary products, baby wipes, and nappies, can cause blockages in the sewer system, which can lead to serious issues. Not only can this cause problems for households, but it can also have a negative impact on the environment. So, we'd tell people to throw these things away in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet.

Recent Development on the Flushable Logo (May 2022)

Manufacturers have come to an agreement on what can be flushed by the majority of south-east Australia’s wastewater treatment, thanks to Urban Utilities and Standards Australia working together with extensive trials to figure out exactly how a flushable wipe needs to interact with water to prevent major damage to sewers.

This is the first time utilities and manufacturers have agreed on what can be flushed. The flushable product standard is important as it will help to protect sewerage systems from fatbergs and other blockages, which can cause environmental damage and unsanitary flooding. It is also expected that the standard will reduce the cost of plumbing maintenance for flushable products. In the end, both consumers and manufacturers will benefit.

The National Flushability Standard

In mid-2022, Australia will have its first nationwide flushability standard. This guideline, which is a world-first, attempts to cooperate with manufacturers and utilities to determine what can be flushed or not.

The standard defines seven flushability criteria that determine a product's pass or fail. The main test is how effectively it disintegrates between your home and the first pump station—for 30–60 minutes.

Flushable products that do not meet this criteria will not be able to be sold in Australia. This flushability standard is important for preventing sewer blockages and protecting our environment.

New Flushable Logo

The new logo will feature a simple image of a person disposing of a wipe into a toilet and will begin appearing on objects within the next six months. This change is meant to help people understand that they can only flush certain things and to get them to throw away wipes the right way.

Stained and Damaged Tiles

A leak in the shower wall is a common cause of stained or damaged floor tiles. If you notice any cracking or buckling in your tiles, it may be a sign that water is leaking from the shower wall and causing damage to the floor. In addition to causing damage to the tile itself, leaks can also lead to mould growth and structural damage.



If you suspect that your shower wall is leaking, it's important to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Leaks can often be repaired easily and inexpensively, so don't delay in getting the problem fix.

How to Clear a Clogged Toilet caused by Flushable Wipes

Flushable wipes are a popular flushable product that is marketed as an alternative to traditional toilet paper. However, flushable wipes can cause problems when they flush and end up in the sewer system.

In some cases, flushable wipes can even clog toilets. If you have a clogged toilet and you suspect that flushable wipes may be the cause, there are a few things you can do to try to clear the blockage.

First, you can use a plunger to try to remove the obstruction. However, a plunger may not be able to completely remove the flushable wipe from your pipes. In addition, flushable wipes can cause problems for your sewage system if they pass through the toilet system and end up in the sewer.

If you use flushable products and notice that your toilet is not flushing properly, it is best to call a professional plumber for assistance. A plumber will be able to use special equipment to remove the flushable product from your pipes and also potentially clean your pipes with hydro jet drain cleaning if necessary.

This will help to prevent future problems with flushable products and other objects that should not be flushed down the toilet. If you live in the area and are in need of a professional plumber, we at Down to Earth Plumbing Maintenance would be more than happy to assist you. Give us a call today!