The inconvenience of blocked drains

In recent weeks and months, there have been several issues with the wastewater treatment system on some schemes. These issues have resulted in drain blockages, causing inconvenience for both you and your neighbours, and incurring expensive repair costs.

The cause of the blockages has been identified as;
• wipes (all types – baby wipes, cleaning wipes, facial wipes etc.) that have been flushed down the toilet
• grease, oil and fat that has been poured down the sink.

Many people think that grease and wipes can be disposed in this way. However, that belief is incorrect. Some wipe labels even make the claim “flushable wipes”, that is misleading and certainly not the case.

Clúid is forced to spend thousands of Euro each year to clear these blockages. This is an expense that can be easily avoided, money that can be better spent on providing services to support you and your community of friends and neighbours.

We are asking every resident to be mindful of what they are flushing down the toilet – nothing should be flushed apart from toilet paper. Everything else should be put in the bin. Please put these items in the bin and NOT down the toilet;

• Cotton Buds
• Baby Wipes
• Facial Wipes
• Cleansing Pads
• Toilet Roll Tube
• Medicines
• Cigarettes
• Plasters
• Nappies
• Tampons
• Tampon Applicator
• Sanitary Pads

When these items are flushed down the toilet they can cause problems in our homes, wastewater treatment network and the environment.

In addition, we are asking every resident not to pour grease, oil or fat down the sink drain, and reminding you that these substances can solidify in the drainage pipework, creating significant blockages. Allow any grease or oil to cool before disposal in the bin.

For useful guidance and helpful posters to support your efforts, download ‘The Dirty Dozen’ poster and other materials to make your home more environmentally friendly at cluid.ie/other-documents/

On behalf of the team at Clúid, thank you for your help with this matter.