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The Great Debate: To Sit or Stand? Pee Your Way to Victory!

The Great Debate: To Sit or Stand? Pee Your Way to Victory!

Unveiling the Toilet Conundrum Should you Sit or Stand to Pee? Diving into the Porcelain Battlefield

As plumbers, we delve into everyday mysteries, one plumbing issue at a time, usually without realising it.

Today, we’re tackling a topic that has puzzled many and sparked countless discussions among experts.

Hold tight as we explore the health implications and shed light on this age-old debate that’s sparked countless arguments, late-night discussions, and, yes, even bathroom drama: Should you sit or stand to pee?

The Standers vs. The Sitters: A Battle for Toilet Supremacy

The Standers: Defending the Art of Upright Urination

The Standers, those gallant warriors of bathroom freedom, firmly argue that peeing while standing is the epitome of manhood—a proud display of dominance over the porcelain throne.

They see it as a symphony of control, precision, and a perfect opportunity for some fancy target practice. Plus, let’s not forget the liberating feeling of facing the world head-on, quite literally!

The Sitters: Embracing the Serenity of Seated Relief

On the other side of the battlefield, we have the Sitters, the humble devotees of the seated pee. They argue that sitting offers the ultimate relaxation experience, a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of the day.

It’s a chance to catch up on reading, answer emails, or even ponder life’s biggest mysteries. Multitasking at its finest!

Hygiene: Keeping it Clean, No Matter How You Pee

Aim for Success: The Art of Target Practice

Now, let’s address the elephant in the bathroom: hygiene. No matter your stance, it’s crucial to maintain a clean and tidy bathroom environment.

Standers, take aim and fire or at least come close enough to the target. And if there are any accidental splatters, be a good sport and clean up after yourself. We all know how fast those pesky yellow stains can become a permanent fixture!

Health Considerations: The Impact on Your Body

Urinary Health: A Matter of Bladder Emptying

When it comes to urinary health, both standing and sitting can have their pros and cons.

Standing allows for a more unobstructed flow, potentially aiding individuals who struggle with a weak urine stream.

On the other hand, sitting promotes complete bladder emptying, reducing the risk of residual urine and potential bladder infections.

Prostate Health: Standing vs. Sitting

The debate takes on a different dimension for men due to prostate health considerations.

Some studies suggest that sitting while peeing may alleviate pressure on the prostate gland, potentially reducing the risk of urinary complications. However, further research is needed to establish a definitive link.

Pelvic Floor Health: The Sitting Advantage

Sitting can also benefit both men and women by engaging the pelvic floor muscles.

This position allows for better relaxation and may benefit individuals experiencing urinary incontinence or pelvic floor disorders. It allows one to focus on proper relaxation techniques and pelvic floor exercises.

Humour in the Throne Room: Finding Laughter Amidst the Battle of Should you Sit or Stand to Pee

The Audacity of the Debate: A Leaky Situation Turned Comedy

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the sheer audacity of this argument. Who would have thought something as mundane as taking a leak could stir up such passionate opinions?

It’s like the toilet seat has become the battlefield of the sexes, a silent war fought one drop at a time.

But hey, if we can find humour in it all, maybe we can flush away some of that tension and embrace the absurdity.

Plumbing Unites Us All: Embracing the Quirks and Quibbles

At Whywait Plumbing, we believe in finding the silver lining in every leaky situation. So, remember that life is too short to get caught up in bathroom debates, whether you’re Team Stand or Team Sit.

Let’s focus on what truly matters: the thrill of a well-functioning toilet, the art of a perfectly executed flush, and the joy of a clog-free existence. It’s a world of possibilities waiting just beyond the bathroom door!

Plumbing Adventures, Health, Bathroom Bliss and Personal Preferences

Let’s raise our plungers high and toast to the quirks and quibbles that make life enjoyable.

Remember that plumbing is the unsung hero that unites us all, regardless of our peeing preferences and where we stand on the great debate of should you sit or stand to pee.

And if you ever find yourself in a bathroom stand-off, take a deep breath, have a good laugh, and maybe even try a new approach. Who knows, you might discover a whole new world of bathroom bliss!

In conclusion, choosing between sitting and standing to pee is a matter of personal preference, comfort, and individual health considerations. While standing may be more convenient for some, sitting offers benefits such as complete bladder emptying and potential advantages for prostate and pelvic floor health.

At Whywait Plumbing, we believe in fostering a clean and healthy bathroom environment, regardless of your chosen posture. Remember to maintain proper hygiene practices, aim carefully, and keep the toilet area clean to ensure a pleasant user experience.

So, as you embark on your daily bathroom rituals, consider the impact on your health and choose a posture that aligns with your comfort and well-being. Ultimately, prioritising cleanliness, hygiene, and health is the most crucial aspect.

Remember, when life gets messy, Whywait Plumbing is just a call away! Until next time, happy flushing, and may your plumbing woes be as fleeting as a poorly aimed sprinkle. Cheers!

Wastewater management is every ones responsibility aiding sustainability

Wastewater management is every ones responsibility aiding sustainability

Do you know what happens to your water when you flush the toilet?

At Whywait Plumbing, we know how important it is to take care of our wastewater. Wastewater is any water used in homes or businesses that needs to be cleaned before it can be safely released into the environment. If not appropriately managed, wastewater can pollute our water sources, harm wildlife and affect our health. That’s why we want to help our clients understand the best ways to handle their wastewater.

First, it’s essential to know that there are different types of wastewater. Household wastewater comes from everyday activities like showering, washing dishes and doing laundry. Industrial wastewater is created by restaurants, mechanics workshops, bakeries, supermarkets, butcher shops, factories and can have different chemicals and pollutants. Both types of wastewater need to be cleaned before they are let into the environment. Most of the time, this cleaning happens at a wastewater treatment plant. These plants use a combination of physical, chemical and biological methods to remove pollutants and bacteria from the water.

Households produce an average of 300 litres of wastewater per person per day. Despite popular misconceptions, ninety-nine per cent of this wastewater is just water. The other one per cent is contaminated wastewater. Wastewater is a vital resource and will be released to our land, waterways and the ocean as recycled water after treatment.

What is wastewater?

At Whywait Plumbing, we ensure that our customer’s wastewater management treatment systems are working correctly. This includes regular maintenance and repairs for septic tanks, treatment plants, grease traps, house drain sewer systems, and installing new systems when needed. If you live in the City of Gold Coast, then you are connected to the council sewage system unless you live in a rural area.

It’s also important to try and reduce the number of pollutants that get into the wastewater system in the first place. This means being careful about what we put down the drain or toilet, such as grease, oil and chemicals.

Another essential aspect of wastewater management is appropriately disposing of greywater. Greywater is water that has been used for things like laundry or showering but does not have fecal matter in it. Greywater can often be reused for watering gardens or flushing toilets, which helps us save our freshwater resources.

Stormwater is also wastewater being the runoff that flows from roofs, parks, gardens, roads, paths and gutters into stormwater drains after rain in urban areas. Stormwater flows untreated directly to local creeks, streams or rivers, eventually flowing into the ocean. As a result, most stormwater receives no treatment. However, this is changing in new subdivisions and commercial sites with stormwater treatment to remove vegetation debris, human litter, sand, and gravel using bioretention basins and gross pollutant traps.

What are On-site Sewerage Facilities?

At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that not everyone has access to the same sewerage infrastructure provided by the council. That’s why we want to explain what On-site Sewerage Facilities (OSSF) are and how they can help keep your property and the environment safe. Traditionally these have been called septic tanks.

OSSF’s are systems that treat and dispose of the sewerage generated on your property within your property boundaries. These systems include septic tanks, aerated wastewater treatment systems, passive wastewater treatment systems and composting toilets. These types of systems are typically required in areas that are not serviced by council sewerage infrastructure.

It’s important to note that well-maintained OSSF can help protect public health and safety and reduce the risk of environmental harm with contaminated water flowing into creeks and streams. So, if you have an OSSF on your property, it is essential to keep it well-maintained to ensure it continues to work effectively.

If you have questions or concerns about your On-site Sewerage Facilities, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Whywait Plumbing. We’re always happy to help!

How is wastewater treated in a sewage treatment facility?

At Whywait Plumbing, we want to ensure you understand how sewage is treated before it is released into the environment and, ultimately, into the ocean. On the Gold Coast, there are four wastewater management treatment plants at Pimpama, Coombabah, Merrimac and Elanora, which process your wastewater in four stages:

  • In the first stage, primary treatment, they remove large objects and debris from the sewage. They do this by passing the sewage through screens to catch anything that shouldn’t be there, like plastic or other trash. They also use grit traps to remove smaller particles like sand. After that, they let the sewage sit in tanks so that any remaining solids can settle to the bottom and be removed. Finally, they also skim off any grease or scum that floats to the top.
  • Next, they use microorganisms to break down and remove any remaining dissolved wastes and small particles. This is called the secondary stage treatment. Finally, they add microorganisms to the sewage that eat away any remaining pollutants.
  • In the third stage, nutrient removal, they remove nitrogen and phosphorus from the sewage. These nutrients can cause problems in our waterways, like algal blooms.
  • Finally, they disinfect the sewage to ensure it’s safe to release back into the environment as recycled water for golf courses and parks or ocean discharge. They do this by adding chemicals or using ultraviolet light to kill any remaining disease-causing microorganisms. They may also let the sewage sit in the ponds for several weeks, allowing the microorganisms to die off naturally before releasing it.

We hope this helps you understand the sewage treatment process and how it keeps our waterways clean and safe!

How can you help?

At Whywait Plumbing, we educate our clients on wastewater management and provide the necessary services to manage their wastewater seriously.

There are multiple ways you can help that are simple everyday tasks:

  • never connect stormwater drains to any part of your house sewer drains
  • never put substances such as petrol, oil, solvents, pesticides or herbicides into sewer or stormwater drains
  • compost all kitchen food scraps
  • use natural cleaning products that are phosphate and bleach free
wastewater management  creates a clean environment for drinking water

Ultimately we are all individually responsible for sustainable wastewater management to keep our water sources and the environment clean and safe for future generations by working together.

Mitigating Flood Damage: How to Implement Water Surge Protection in Water Pipes

Mitigating Flood Damage: How to Implement Water Surge Protection in Water Pipes

What is a water surge or water hammer?

At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that a water surge or water hammer can be frustrating and potentially damaging for homeowners. That’s why we’re here to explain the problem in simple terms and offer solutions for preventing and resolving it.

Water hammer or water surge is a common issue in any system that utilises pipework, valves, pumps, and other equipment to control water flow or other liquids throughout a building.

One of the most common causes of a water surge or water hammer is the rapid closing of a valve. When a valve is closed quickly, water hits a dead end, sharp bend, or any other situation that creates a high-pressure shockwave to travel through the pipework, causing a loud banging noise and increased pressure. This can damage pipes, fittings, and appliances and cause leaks.

Another common cause of water surge is a problem with your pressure pump system. If your pump is malfunctioning, it can create a surge of pressure that can cause the same issues as a rapidly closed valve.

 The effects of water hammer can range from a loud knocking or banging noise in the pipes to more severe issues such as broken pipework. However, the risks posed by water surge are particularly significant in high-rise buildings.

High-rise buildings are susceptible to water surge

Most high-rise buildings have at least one riser that runs from the basement to the top floor and connects to smaller distribution pipework on each floor. Suppose a pump stops operating, for example, due to a power cut or a fault in the system. In that case, the water pressure in the building gradually declines as outlets are opened, and the remaining water in the system is drained under gravity.

This can create a vacuum in the pipework, depending on whether there are non-return valves or pressure-reducing valves installed in other parts of the water pipe reticulation system. When the power is restored, and the pump begins to operate again, it restores system pressure to pre-set levels. However, if the unit is not designed, installed and maintained correctly and does not have a comprehensive “soft fill mode”, the water hammer or water surge will be almost unavoidable.

In the worst-case scenario, pressurised water is pushed into a vacuum, causing the water to accelerate beyond expected design velocities. This can be due to multiple pumps running or pumps that are designed as “standby”. This results in a hydraulic shock to the pipework that can be beyond the operating pressure of the system, potentially causing weak pipework or connections to burst, resulting in flooding and expensive water damage within the building.

Not only is this expensive to repair, it means downtime to the building’s water supply. It is also a severe health and safety risk to those occupying the building during the burst.

water surge is a danger to high rise buildings on Gold Coast

Recommended precautions

To avoid these issues, it’s essential to take the necessary precautions. One solution is to ensure that you have a booster set with a surge protection feature, so when the pumps are powered back up, they are limited to one pump and gradually increase their pressure to avoid ramping up too quickly. In addition, an AWSPV valve or an Air and Water Protection Valve can be installed at the top of each riser. This device not only avoids vacuum being created, but it also forces air through the “anti-surge” orifice when the system is filling, allowing for the deceleration of the incoming water supply, thanks to the resistance created by rising air pressure in the AWSPV valve.

This softens the potential pressure spike when the AWSPV valve finally closes. The AWSPV valve design ensures effective de-aeration under all pipeline flow and operating conditions via one of three discharge orifices. Once the system is full and free of air, the valve seals and must be piped to a drain or safe area to ensure any leaks are discharged to a visible position. This ensures that everything is visible without causing further water damage.

In conclusion, a water hammer or water surge is a common issue in any system that utilises pipework, valves, pumps, and other equipment to control water flow throughout a building. High-rise buildings are particularly at risk due to the potential for a vacuum to be created when the water pressure is restored, which can cause a surge in water pressure and potentially cause damage to the pipework or connections. By taking the necessary precautions, such as ensuring a booster set with a surge protection feature and installing an Air and Water Protection Valve, you can avoid these issues and ensure the safety and reliability of your building’s water supply.

Proactive prevention you should implement

To prevent water surge, it is crucial to have your plumbing system regularly inspected and maintained by a professional plumber. This can help identify any potential issues before they become a problem.

Even in your traditional home, installing a water hammer arrestor, a device that absorbs the shock wave created by a rapidly closed valve, can help prevent water surge or water hammer from occurring.

If you have doubts about whether you are experiencing a water hammer or a water surge in your home or your high-rise building, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Whywait Plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers can diagnose the problem, offer solutions, and get your plumbing system back to working correctly. Whether a simple adjustment or a complex repair, we have the skills and expertise to get the job done right.

At Whywait Plumbing, we are experts in protecting you from water surge or water hammer. We can help you understand the causes of your problems and recommend the best solutions for your home or high-rise building. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Is Gold Coast water safely disinfected with chlorine or chloramine?

Is Gold Coast water safely disinfected with chlorine or chloramine?

Where does Gold Coast water come from?

Your Gold Coast water is sourced from Seqwater, which literally can source it from anywhere. The most common is from rainfall collected in dams which are part of lakes, rivers and streams.

Remember, all rainwater is essentially recycled water. So before the water gets to your taps, it has travelled a long way. Frequently it has travelled overground, picking up dirt, decaying vegetation and animal droppings.

Gold Coast water is mainly from the Hinze Dam, and the Little Nerang Dam system is the city’s main water source. It has a total capacity of around 320GL, and the upgrades to the Hinze Dam completed in 2011 have increased its ability to store water during floods. The area that provides water to the dam is 207 square kilometres and includes the Numinbah Valley and Springbrook Plateau, with most of it being covered by natural bushland in state forests and national parks.

The Gold Coast Desalination Plant (GCDP) was also added in 2009 as an additional source of drinking water, which converts seawater from the Pacific Ocean into safe drinking water. The city receives treated drinking water from Seqwater, which is treated at the Molendinar and Mudgeeraba water treatment plants (WTP) with a combined capacity of around 265 ML/day, and the GCDP with a capacity of 133 ML/day. Sometimes they also receive additional water from the Mt Crosby WTP through the Southern Regional Water Pipeline (SRWP), which has a capacity of 130 ML/day.

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) state that disinfection is the most important step in ensuring safe drinking water. The city’s drinking water supply is disinfected using chlorine (hypochlorite) and GCWW works to ensure a level of disinfection between 0.2mg/L and 1.8mg/L throughout the drinking water supply network at all times. This is to prevent contamination of the drinking water and protect public health.

Hinze Dam source of Gold Coast water from Whywait Plumbing

How is Gold Coast water disinfected?

Disinfecting your drinking water means that naturally occurring bacteria and germs need to be destroyed before water is distributed through all the water supply main pipelines in the City of Gold Coast.

When it comes to disinfecting drinking water, two of the most commonly used chemicals are chlorine and chloramine. Both of these chemicals are effective at killing bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, but they have some key differences.

Chlorine is a powerful oxidizer that has been used to disinfect drinking water for more than a century. It is a gas that is added to water in the form of a liquid or a powder. Chlorine works by penetrating the cell walls of microorganisms and destroying their enzymes, which kills the organisms. Chlorine is effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

Chloramine, on the other hand, is a compound that is formed when chlorine is combined with ammonia. Like chlorine, chloramine is added to water to disinfect it, and it is also effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms. However, chloramine is more stable than chlorine, which means that it can remain in the water for more extended periods of time. This can be beneficial because it provides a more consistent level of disinfection. In addition, Chloramine is less corrosive than chlorine and can be safer for your plumbing and appliances.

Both chlorine and chloramine have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, and each is suited to different types of water treatment applications. Chlorine is commonly used in small and large water treatment plants, and chloramine is mainly used in distribution systems and large treatment plants.

Your Gold Coast water flowing from your tap is currently disinfected with chlorine.

Can I filter my drinking water?

Filtering your drinking water is simple. Let’s face it most of us drink the water from the kitchen tap.

You can go to the expense of installing whole-of-house water filtration systems, but they are expensive to install and maintain.

For most people, the solution is to filter the water at the kitchen tap. Traditionally this was done with filter cartridge housings under the cupboard, which required a lot of maintenance.

Here at Whywait Plumbing, we have the solution as we have partnered with Taqua, a Japanese company, to bring you the best built-in filtration sink mixer on the market. This innovative product allows you to have filtered water directly from your kitchen sink mixer tap.

The Taqua sink mixer is a pull-out spray that has a water filter built into it, eliminating the need for a separate water filter. This convenient design provides your family with the healthiest and safest drinking water at the touch of a tap daily.

The Taqua sink mixer is made in Japan from lead-free materials, ensuring that your filtered water that you drink is free from harmful lead leaching. The water filter removes free chlorine, soluble lead, small dirt particles and other impurities from your tap water. The unique filtration channel and automatic cleaning system work to filter a massive 4 litres of water every minute. The sterilizing ceramic materials also keep bacteria out of the filter tap, ensuring the highest standard of cleanliness possible.

Taqua’s filter tap also preserves the minerals that are necessary for your body while removing chlorine, making the water taste better and safer to consume. Additionally, it is an alternative to buying bottled water, which is the same as tap water in terms of mineral content and hardness. Taqua’s built-in filtration sink mixer removes the chlorine from tap water while retaining the minerals. This provides you with fresh, delicious water in your home every day.

Suppose you are wondering which solution is best for your home’s drinking water filtration needs, it’s important to consult with a professional plumber such as Whywait Plumbing as we are a specialist who can determine the best solution for your specific situation. They can help you evaluate your water source, usage and infrastructure to find the best solution for your needs.

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The Future of Flushable Products: A Comprehensive New Standard AS/NZS 5328:2022 Flushable Products

The Future of Flushable Products: A Comprehensive New Standard AS/NZS 5328:2022 Flushable Products

New Flushable Products Standard: A Win for Whywait Plumbing and Our Customers Introduction

Here at Whywait Plumbing, we have long advocated for clear guidelines around using and labelling flushable products. But unfortunately, we’ve seen far too many instances of blockages, overflowing drains, and the ensuing damage to properties and infrastructure due to the misuse of such products.

So from our perspective, sharing the recent news about releasing the new Flushable Products Standard is positive. After all, We’ve done media interviews on this, plus written countless blogs and newsletter articles:

The Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) has released the new Flushable Products Standard (PAS 2845.1:2022), which provides manufacturers and consumers with clear guidance on the proper use and disposal of flushable products. In this blog post, we’ll explore the critical aspects of this new Standard and discuss how it aligns with Whywait Plumbing’s long-held beliefs on the issue.

The Importance of the Flushable Products Standard

Addressing the Drain Blockage Problem

Whywait Plumbing has been advocating for these changes mainly because of the immense problem of drain blockages caused by flushing inappropriate items down the toilet. According to the WSAA, approximately 75% of sewer blockages are caused by flushing non-flushable items, costing millions of dollars annually to rectify.

This has led to environmental issues and costly repairs for homeowners and local water authorities. The new Flushable Products Standard aims to reduce the incidence of blockages and save money for everyone involved, making it a welcome development for plumbers and homeowners alike.

Clear Guidelines for Manufacturers

One of the critical aspects of the new Standard is the provision of clear guidelines for manufacturers of flushable products. This includes stringent testing requirements to ensure that only genuinely flushable products can be marketed as such. The Standard also mandates clear labelling, helping consumers make informed choices about what they flush down their toilets.

This means that manufacturers will now have to adhere to these guidelines, ensuring that their products meet the criteria to be deemed flushable. This will help reduce the number of inappropriate items being flushed, leading to fewer blockages and plumbing problems.

How Will The Symbol Be Displayed

The symbols for packaging indicating that a product has passed the criteria in the Standard and is safe for flushing can vary. However, they are typically simple, easily recognisable icons that convey the message. For example, for products that are safe to flush, the symbol might consist of a toilet with a checkmark, signifying that the item can be flushed without causing harm to the plumbing system or the environment.

Conversely, if a product is unsuitable for flushing, the symbol might depict a toilet with a crossed-out circle, indicating that the item should not be flushed. This “do not flush” symbol is crucial for products with a high potential to be flushed, as it helps inform customers about the appropriate disposal method.

In both cases, the symbol should be prominently visible on the on-shelf package, unobscured by packaging seals or folds, ensuring that consumers can quickly identify whether the product is flushable. Again, the goal is to provide consumers with clear, easily understood information, helping them make responsible choices for their plumbing systems and the environment.

flushable products standard

How Does A Product Qualify to Be Flushable?

To qualify for the new Flushable Products Standard and display the flushable logo, products must undergo a series of tests and meet specific criteria outlined in the Standard. These tests ensure the product is safe for flushing and will not harm the plumbing system or the environment. Here are the seven steps a product must pass to qualify:

  1. Clears the toilet and household drain line: The product must pass through the toilet and the household drain line without causing blockages or damage to the plumbing system.
  2. Doesn’t foul household sewage pumps: The product must not clog or interfere with the proper functioning of household sewage pumps.
  3. Disintegrates quickly to prevent sewer blockages: The product must break down rapidly once it enters the sewer system to ensure that it does not cause blockages or damage to the sewer infrastructure.
  4. Doesn’t foul council sewer water utility pumps: The product must not cause any problems or blockages in municipal water utility pumps, ensuring that the more extensive sewage treatment system remains functional.
  5. Settles out in a sewage plant: The product must settle out in a sewage treatment plant, allowing it to be correctly processed and treated without causing issues in the sewage plant.
  6. Biodegrades: The product must be able to biodegrade naturally, ensuring that it does not contribute to environmental pollution or harm aquatic life.
  7. Doesn’t contain plastics (via an attestation): Manufacturers must attest that their product does not contain any plastics, helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our waterways and sewer systems.

By meeting these requirements, a product can qualify for the Flushable Products Standard and display the flushable logo on its packaging. This provides consumers with clear information about the product’s suitability for flushing, helping them make responsible choices for their plumbing systems and the environment.

flushable products standard testing requirements

How the Flushable Products Standard Aligns with Whywait Plumbing’s Beliefs

Prioritising the Health of Our Waterways and Infrastructure

At Whywait Plumbing, we have always believed in maintaining the health of our waterways and infrastructure. The new Flushable Products Standard is a significant step in this direction. It will help prevent the clogging of our sewer systems and the pollution of our waterways with non-flushable waste.

By ensuring that only genuinely flushable products can be marketed as such, we can collectively reduce the strain on our water infrastructure and preserve the environment for future generations.

Empowering Consumers with Accurate Information

Another critical aspect of the Flushable Products Standard that aligns with our beliefs is the focus on providing consumers with accurate information about the products they use. With precise labelling requirements, consumers will be better informed about which items are safe to flush and which should be disposed of in other ways.

This empowers individuals to make better choices for their homes and the environment, helping to reduce the number of blockages and plumbing issues caused by flushing inappropriate items.

A Positive Step for the Plumbing Industry and the Environment

The release of the Flushable Products Standard (PAS 2845.1:2022) is a significant milestone in the fight against drain blockages and the associated environmental and financial costs. By providing clear guidelines for manufacturers and empowering consumers with accurate information, this Standard will help to reduce the number of blockages caused by non-flushable items.

As a long-time advocate for these changes, Whywait Plumbing is delighted to see this progress. It remains committed to promoting responsible flushing practices and educating our customers about the importance of these new guidelines. We believe this Standard will positively impact the plumbing industry, the environment, and the overall health of our water infrastructure.

Our Commitment to Client Education

At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that many of our customers may not be aware of the new Flushable Products Standard and the implications it has for their daily lives. As a result, we are dedicated to educating our customers about the importance of following these guidelines and how they can help prevent blockages and protect the environment.

We will update our website, social media channels, and other educational materials to reflect the latest information on flushable products and the new Standard. Additionally, our team of skilled plumbers will be available to advise and answer any questions our customers may have regarding the proper use and disposal of flushable products.

Future Developments and Ongoing Advocacy

While releasing the Flushable Products Standard is a significant achievement, we at Whywait Plumbing believe there is always room for improvement and further progress. Therefore, we will continue to advocate for stricter guidelines, increased public awareness, and ongoing research into developing truly flushable products that do not harm our waterways and infrastructure.

We will also remain vigilant in monitoring the implementation and enforcement of the new Standard, ensuring that manufacturers comply with the guidelines and that consumers have access to accurate and up-to-date information. We aim to be crucial in driving positive change within the plumbing industry and beyond by staying active in this space.

Tips for Preventing Drain Blockages

While the Flushable Products Standard is a significant step in the right direction, everyone needs to play their part in preventing drain blockages. Here are some practical tips for ensuring your plumbing system stays in top shape:

Only flush the “Three P’s”: Always remember that the only items that should be flushed down the toilet are pee, poo, and toilet paper. Everything else, including wet wipes, facial tissues, and sanitary products, should be disposed of in the trash.

Dispose of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) responsibly: FOG can solidify in your pipes and cause blockages. Instead of pouring them down the sink, collect them in a container and dispose of them in the trash once cooled.

Install drain screens: Placing a drain screen over your sink, shower, and bathtub drains can help catch hair, soap scum, and other debris, preventing them from entering your pipes and causing blockages.

Schedule regular plumbing maintenance: Having a professional plumber inspect and clean your plumbing system regularly can help identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems.

Whywait Plumbing: Your Partner in Responsible Plumbing Practices

As a company that has long advocated for responsible plumbing practices and the proper use of flushable products, Whywait Plumbing is proud to support the implementation of the new Flushable Products Standard. We believe this Standard will decrease drain blockages, benefiting homeowners and the environment.

If you have any questions about the new Standard or need assistance with your plumbing system, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Whywait Plumbing. Our experienced professionals are always here to help you with your plumbing needs, ensuring your home’s plumbing system remains in top condition.

Detecting COVID-19 in Your Wastewater Drain

Detecting COVID-19 in Your Wastewater Drain

Your wastewater is one of the key sources used to identify the presence of the COVID-19 virus in your local community because plumbing is public health

COVID-19 has been a wake-up call for every level of government in Australia. The pandemic has reiterated that plumbing is all about public health. With vaccination rates being hailed as our pathway back to the new normality, we need politicians and bureaucrats to embrace that plumbing protects the entire community and individually plumbers preserve the nation’s health.

A pivotal component in managing COVID-19 is establishing where transmission of the virus occurs. Since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, the identification of exposure sites by health authorities and the requirement for people who were at the same areas during the same time to monitor for symptoms or get tested themselves have been a ceaseless part of the public health response.

Wastewater testing has been crucial for health departments to identify where COVID-19 may be present in the community to help to stop the spread.

Wastewater or the used water from toilets, sinks, showers, baths, basins and dishwashers are analysed and tested for fragments of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Fragments of the virus potentially enter the wastewater system through people who have or have recently had COVID-19. People shed the virus fragments through toilet paper, used tissues, off their hands and skin or in faeces. This shedding can continue for weeks after a person is infectious.

“The COVID-19 virus, SARS-Cov-2, can enter wastewater infrastructure through any of those means. However, it is likely to enter wastewater principally from faecal and respiratory shedding. Shed virus is then detected by analysing the wastewater using analytical methods that are specific for SARS-CoV-2,” says Dr Nick Crosbie, Recycled Water and IWM Research Manager at Melbourne Water.

“Wastewater monitoring is equivalent to obtaining and analysing a large community-based composite sample of faeces, saliva, vomit, sputum, urine, shed skin and other material shed during personal cleansing, washing, bathing, and excreting.”

Throughout Australia, wastewater samples are taken from wastewater treatment plants, regional wastewater treatment plants and multiple locations throughout any metropolitan sewerage system.

Dr Crosbie describes surveillance as dynamic, adjusting it to meet changing needs such as surge testing during outbreaks.

“Samples are obtained by ‘grab sampling’, auto-sampling, and by the deployment of so-called ‘passive samplers’ which accumulate the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the period of their deployment. Between a few 100 to more than 1,000 samples are collected and processed in a seven-day period. The samples are analysed of the passive samplers with presumptive detections confirmed by third-party analysis.”

Wastewater testing has come to public prominence during the pandemic, although it has been regularly undertaken worldwide to monitor poliovirus, norovirus and adenovirus for close to twenty years.

Dr Crosbie says the public identification of locations in which viral fragments are identified in wastewater – announced by the Department of Health regularly, including sending text messages to people in affected postcodes – allows health authorities to target their responses.

“Information can be used by health departments to focus their investigations further and to encourage an increase in local clinical testing rates,” he says.

The role of plumbers in effective wastewater testing is critical. The provision of safe and effective plumbing and sanitation illustrates how plumbers contribute to strengthening public health. Master Plumbers CEO Peter Daly is unequivocal in stating that “Plumbers play a vital role in developing, maintaining and promoting public health among the community. Plumbers prevent against disease and illness stemming from poor plumbing and sanitation and against the dangers of unsafe gas appliances, some of which can be deadly. Our day to day work in plumbing and sanitation also supports the overall wastewater testing process to play a big role in the COVID-19 response.”

Dr Crosbie agrees, “the COVID-19 wastewater surveillance program is a huge team effort between people working in the plumbing industry, water industry, and the laboratory and health sectors,” he says.

Dr Crosbie understands that plumbing is public health, “More generally, the safe operation of our water and wastewater infrastructure ensures that the community do not suffer from significant health effects from water and wastewater-borne diseases.”

The World Health Organisation and leading doctors state that the world’s most significant medical milestone since 1840 was sanitation. Despite the tremendous medical breakthroughs and scientific advances, the seemingly mundane advance of reliable sewage and reliable, clean water supply is the most significant medical advance over the last 200 years.

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