Plumbing News & Articles | Whywait Plumbing

What Really Happens to Airplane Toilet Waste?

by Gary Mays | Apr 17, 2025 | Toilets

💩 Sky Poop & Blue Ice: The Weird Truth About Airplane Toilets – And Why You Should Care!

Have you ever been at Coolangatta Airport, waiting to pick up family, and noticed that mysterious tanker truck racing out to the plane long before a single passenger has stepped off? Have you ever wondered what it’s doing?

Or maybe you’ve stared at a plane streaking across the sky and thought, “Wait… what happens to all the toilet waste up there?” If you’ve ever flushed at 35,000 feet and nervously imagined your contribution parachuting down onto someone’s unsuspecting backyard barbecue, you’re definitely not the only one.

Ever wondered what happens to airplane toilet waste after you flush? Whether you call it an airplane or an aeroplane, the waste isn’t going anywhere mid-flight…

Let’s dive into the high-flying world of aeroplane plumbing—because, believe it or not, the evolution of airplane toilets has a lot to teach us about engineering, hygiene, and the magic of modern plumbing—yes, even that kind of magic.

✈️ Airplane Toilet Waste - The "Poop Drop" Myth: Busted! Do Planes Dump Waste Mid-Flight?

First things first—do planes drop toilet waste mid-flight?

Let’s clarify this immediately: planes don’t empty their toilets while flying. Not today, not on purpose.

In fact, modern aeroplanes are equipped with high-efficiency vacuum toilets. When you press that dreaded flush button (you know, the one that sounds like it’s sucking your soul into the abyss), it’s not ejecting your business into the wild blue yonder. It’s sending it to a tightly sealed tank in the back of the aircraft.

These tanks are only emptied on the ground by trained personnel with special tanker trucks. The pilots couldn’t dump the contents if they tried—and frankly, why would they?

So, no, your mid-flight flush isn’t a hazard to anyone below—at least, not anymore.

🧪 Enter Skykem: The Blue Potion of the Skies

Before the 1980s, aeroplane toilets used much water, just like household toilets. But water is heavy, and every kilo counts in aviation. Cue the invention of vacuum toilets and a quirky little cleaner called Skykem—a blue disinfectant that:

💧 Coats the toilet bowl to reduce mess and odours

💧 Sanitises each flush

💧 Mixes with waste to… well, do the dirty work cleanly

Skykem gives that signature smurf-splash blue you see in aviation loo lore. And that’s important for what comes next…

❄️ Beware the Blue Ice

Back in the groovy days of aviation (we’re talking the 60s and 70s), toilet systems weren’t sealed like they are now. Tiny leaks near the plane’s rear occasionally allow Skykem-laced waste to ooze out… and freeze.

At high altitudes, this mix became blue ice. As the plane descended, the ice thawed and broke loose, plummeting to Earth. Yikes.

In 1971, a massive chunk of blue ice punched a hole through a house in London. Other incidents occurred around the globe, leading to tales of “sky poop” that lived on in urban legend.

Thankfully, today’s aeroplane toilets are sealed tighter than a jar of grandma’s lollies. Blue ice is extremely rare now—but not entirely extinct.

🚽 Whywait Plumbing's Takeaway: Whether It's 35,000 Feet or Ground Level, Good Plumbing Matters

Believe it or not, the tale of the high-flying toilet tells us a lot about good plumbing.

Airplane toilets are like race cars in the toilet world—compact, efficient, and built for performance under pressure. At Whywait Plumbing, we admire how these high-tech systems gracefully handle waste.

But when it comes to your home or business? You deserve the same kind of peace of mind.

Slow flushes, leaks, weird noises, or lingering odours? Don’t wait until your bathroom becomes a crash site for airplane toilet waste. Call Whywait Plumbing for plumbing services that are:

🔄 Fast, friendly, and reliable

🔄 Powered by cutting-edge technology

Designed to keep your throne fit for royalty

🔧 Your Local Plumbing Experts on the Gold Coast

If you’re searching for:

🔍 “Gold Coast plumber near me“

🔍 “Toilet repair experts in Gold Coast”

🔍 “What happens to aeroplane toilet waste?”

🔍 “Gold Coast plumber.”

🔍“Toilet repair near me”

🔍“How aeroplane toilets work.”

🔍“Blue ice plane myth”

🔍“Vacuum toilet explained”

Then congrats, you’ve landed in the right place.

At Whywait Plumbing, we combine local know-how with cutting-edge solutions—no vacuum jet required—to keep your plumbing running smoothly.

Whywait Plumbing combines down-to-earth service with the expertise to handle any plumbing mystery—even those involving aviation anecdotes and blue ice tales.

Call Whywait Plumbing Today – Your Toilet Will Thank You!

Fast, local, and ready to flush your worries away—no vacuum jet needed!

📞 07 5580 4311

Gold Coast Plumbing and PFAS Contamination: What You Need to Know

by Gary Mays | Mar 31, 2025 | PFAS and Gold Coast Plumbing

PFAS and Gold Coast Plumbing and Homeowners Can't Afford to Ignore It

PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) has long been a lurking issue in Australia’s environmental and public health landscape. Once hailed as a revolutionary chemical for its durability and heat, water, and grease resistance, PFAS is now under increasing scrutiny for its long-term health and environmental consequences.

The ramifications for the Gold Coast plumbing industry are significant.

PFAS contamination has begun impacting potable water and wastewater systems, triggering regulatory changes, large-scale cleanup efforts, and complex legal challenges.

As concerns grow, Whywait Plumbing urges the local sector to prepare for what could become one of the most disruptive chemical issues of the 21st century, with potentially far-reaching effects on our industry.

What Is PFAS and Why Should Plumbers Care?

PFAS refers to a family of thousands of man-made chemicals used extensively since the 1940s. Nicknamed “forever chemicals”, they do not break down naturally but accumulate in water, soil, and even human tissue over time.

PFAS has been used in:

✅ Firefighting foams (particularly by the Australian Defence Force)

✅ Non-stick cookware

✅ Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets

✅ Food packaging and fast-food wrappers

✅ Industrial lubricants and coatings

While these chemicals offered durability and convenience, the downside is now apparent: PFAS is present in water supplies and plumbing systems across the Gold Coast—and it’s not going away.

Whywait Plumbing has been closely monitoring these developments and advocating for greater awareness across the industry.

PFAS and Human Health: The Next Asbestos?

Health experts continue to debate PFAS risks. Although some government bodies describe the evidence as “limited,” mounting research links PFAS exposure to severe health conditions:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kidney and testicular cancers

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Thyroid dysfunction

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Immune system disorders

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Reproductive health concerns

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Obesity and metabolic issues

A series of class-action lawsuits against the Australian Defence Force (ADF) has already resulted in over $366 million in compensation payouts to affected communities despite no admission of liability.

The comparison to asbestos is increasingly relevant. Like asbestos, PFAS was once widely celebrated—only to be exposed later as a long-term health hazard.

The warning signs for the Gold Coast plumbing industry are impossible to ignore. That’s why Whywait Plumbing is committed to educating customers and staying ahead of these risks.

PFAS in Drinking Water: A Growing Crisis

Australia’s National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) sets PFAS safety limits under the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG). But in April 2025, these limits are set to tighten drastically:

🔍 PFOA: from 560 ng/L → 200 ng/L

🔍 PFOS: from 70 ng/L → 4 ng/L

These dramatic changes could leave existing water systems non-compliant overnight, forcing utilities, councils, and homeowners to invest in costly PFAS removal systems. Whywait Plumbing expects a surge in demand for PFAS-safe water filtration solutions as these new standards roll out.

Case Study: Blackheath, NSW

In 2024, despite Sydney Water’s monitoring efforts, PFOS levels in Blackheath consistently exceeded updated guidelines. The solution? Shutting down Medlow Dam and installing a $3.4 million PFAS treatment plant.

This is a clear signal of what’s coming. As Gold Coast plumbing professionals, Whywait Plumbing is ready.

Can PFAS Be Removed from Water?

Boiling water won’t remove PFAS. Instead, effective removal methods include:

💧 Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) Filters

💧 Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

💧 Ion Exchange

💧 Nanofiltration

As awareness grows, homeowners increasingly turn to trusted professionals like Whywait Plumbing for guidance and certified at-home PFAS filtration solutions.

🔗 Learn how our Taqua Water Filter Taps, which use advanced filtration technologies to reduce PFAS and other harmful contaminants in drinking water, can help you ensure the safety of your water supply.

PFAS in Wastewater: A Bigger Threat Than You Think

PFAS doesn’t just affect drinking water. It’s also present in:

⚠️ Industrial wastewater

⚠️ Domestic sewage

⚠️ Landfill leachate

⚠️ Stormwater runoff

The Queensland Government’s adoption of the ‘Polluter Pays Principle’ means companies responsible for PFAS contamination can now be held financially liable. This principle shifts the cost of environmental damage from the public to the entity responsible for the pollution. Similar policies could be rolled out nationwide, potentially increasing the financial risks for non-compliant companies.

Businesses aren’t required to monitor or treat PFAS in wastewater, but change is coming. Whywait Plumbing has closely followed these developments to ensure our commercial clients remain compliant and protected.

What This Means for the Plumbing Industry

This issue affects every part of our trade. Key takeaways include:

♻️ Tighter regulations mean new filtration systems and retrofits will be in demand

♻️Wastewater monitoring may become mandatory for businesses.

♻️ Homeowners will demand PFAS-safe solutions and filtration installations.

♻️ Plumbing product suppliers may need to certify PFAS-free offerings.

♻️ Legal and compliance risks will grow alongside public scrutiny.

This presents both a challenge and a significant business opportunity for proactive Gold Coast plumbing businesses like Whywait Plumbing. By staying ahead of the regulatory changes and offering PFAS-safe solutions, these businesses can meet the growing demand for such services and establish themselves as leaders in the industry.

The Future of PFAS in Plumbing: Action Is Required

PFAS is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s now a Gold Coast plumbing issue. The industry must lead, not follow. We must avoid these issues and proactively protect our customers and businesses.

How plumbers can stay ahead:

♻️ Stay educated on PFAS filtration technologies

♻️ Guide customers on PFAS-safe water solutions

♻️ Promote responsible wastewater practices.

♻️ Prepare for new regulations impacting both water supply and discharge.

Ready to Upgrade? Taqua Taps Professionally Supplied & Installed by Whywait Plumbing

We supply and install genuine Taqua taps across the Gold Coast. Let’s get cleaner, healthier water flowing in your kitchen.

At Whywait Plumbing, We're Already Helping Our Customers Take Action

From advising on in-home filtration options like Taqua Tap Installations to staying updated on regulatory changes, Whywait Plumbing is ready to meet this challenge head-on.

Don’t wait for mandates. Let’s future-proof your plumbing solutions today.

Say Hello to Cold Showers: Hot Water Heating Using Renewable Energy

by Gary Mays | Feb 16, 2025 | Hot Water

Chris Bowen's Push for Hot Water Heating Electrification and Two-Minute Shower Time Limits

Whistleblowers in Canberra are sounding the alarm: if Labor and the Greens form a coalition after the upcoming election, Australians might have to say goodbye to long, hot showers.

Yes, you read that right. In a future shaped by Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s electrification agenda, gas hot water systems could be banned, solar power could dictate when you can heat your water, and shower timers might literally cut you off mid-shampoo.

Too far-fetched? After the election, consultants have already completed the modelling for this drastic policy introduction. With the government’s increasing push toward electrification and emissions reductions, this scenario raises an important question: Could hot water soon become a luxury in Australian homes?

Your Hot Shower is Under a Real Threat

This potential shift, likely to ignite passionate debate across Australia, is proposed by Chris Bowen, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, after consulting with the Greens and Adam Bandt. The public’s response to these potential changes will be crucial in shaping the future of hot water in Australia, and your voice matters in this collective discussion.

Under his new policy direction, natural gas hot water systems will be banned, with only electric hot water systems powered by rooftop solar (PV panels) being permitted. Additionally, shower time restrictions will be enforced through mandatory time limiters, capping showers at two minutes per person to conserve both electricity and water.

This radical transition, part of the federal government’s broader strategy to phase out fossil fuels, reduce emissions, and accelerate Australia’s shift towards renewable energy, has also raised serious concerns about energy reliability, personal freedom, and household affordability.

The potential consequences of having no hot water for Australian households include increased electricity bills due to reliance on grid power, and the practical challenges of limited hot water availability cannot be overlooked or left to Adam Bandt and Chris Bowen’s whims.

The End of Gas Hot Water Heating in Australian Homes

Why Is Chris Bowen Banning Gas Hot Water Heating?

Chris Bowen and the federal government have declared natural gas ‘unacceptable’ in the push towards net-zero emissions. As part of Australia’s electrification plan, households will be encouraged to switch to electric hot water systems, preferably powered by rooftop solar panels, offering the potential for a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Bowen argues that:
✅ Gas is a fossil fuel and contributes to emissions, even if used efficiently.
✅ Australia’s electricity grid must decarbonise, and homes must transition to electric heating, cooking, and hot water.
✅ Rooftop solar (PV panels) should be the primary energy source for heating water, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

This effectively means that gas hot water systems will be banned, and electric heat pumps or solar hot water systems will be the only option for new installations.

However, critics point out that:
❌ Many homes, particularly renters and low-income families cannot afford to upgrade to electric hot water systems.

❌ Not all homes have PV panels, meaning many will rely on expensive grid electricity instead.

❌ And what happens when the sun isn’t shining? That’s where Bowen’s solar-first policy kicks in.

Bowen and Bandts target electric water heaters, which draw power from the grid when solar energy is unavailable at night or on cloudy days. Their thermostats turn on uncontrolled electric and solar hot water storage tanks, increasing demand during peak times and straining the already overstrained energy system.

Daytime-Only Hot Water Heating – A Major Concern

Bowen’s ‘solar-first’ policy means that hot water systems will be programmed to operate only during daylight hours when solar panels generate electricity, potentially leaving households without hot water during the evening and night.

📌 What this means for Australians:

Hot water can only be heated during the day, making evening showers dependent on stored hot water.
If there’s no sun, there’s no hot water, forcing households to use expensive grid power.
For those without rooftop solar, this could mean significantly higher electricity bills, adding to the financial burden of these changes.

This approach assumes that every household will:
✔️ Have rooftop solar panels
✔️ Have enough energy storage to last the evening and night
✔️ Never need hot water outside of daytime approved hours

Unfortunately, reality paints a different picture. Many households—especially in apartments or rental properties—lack solar panels and will struggle with higher costs and limited hot water availability.

But what if a solar-only hot water policy isn’t enough? Enter the two-minute shower rule.

Shower Time Limits: The Two-Minute Rule

In this highly plausible dystopian future, Bowen’s most controversial move is the introduction of mandatory time limiters for all household showers, capping shower times to two minutes per person.

🛑 Why is Bowen Limiting Showers?

To reduce electricity demand, ensure homes don’t overuse hot water heating at night.
To cut water usage, helping to meet conservation targets.
As Bowen believes, many Australians indulge in the “luxury” of long, hot showers to “save Australians from themselves,” an indulgence we can’t trust Australians to act in the national interest for renewables.

Under the new policy, all new and existing homes must install smart shower time limiters, which will automatically shut off hot water after two minutes.

💡 How It Works:

A digital timer activates when the shower starts.
After two minutes, the hot water shuts off automatically, and the shower cannot be turned back on for 15 minutes.
Households will be fined for tampering with the system.

❗ Potential Problems:
Families with multiple members may struggle to access enough hot water, as showers are locked down for 15 minutes between uses. This could lead to conflicts and discomfort within the household.
🚫 Elderly and disabled Australians who require longer showers will be negatively impacted.
🚫 People working night shifts may struggle to heat water outside solar hours.
🚫 Enforcement concerns – Will the government track individual shower times?

This policy has already drawn widespread backlash, with many calling it overly restrictive, intrusive, and impractical.

While this might sound like something out of a Black Mirror episode, it highlights real concerns about how far government intervention could go in the name of sustainability.

Public Backlash and Practical Challenges

Despite Bowen’s claim that these changes will “help Australians transition to a cleaner future”, the public response is unlikely to be warm (much like their future showers).

Key Concerns from the Public and Industry:

⚠️ Cost Burden: Retrofitting homes with electric water heating and solar panels is expensive, and many households can’t afford it.
⚠️ Energy Reliability: Daytime-only water heating assumes solar panels will always be available, which isn’t the case.
⚠️ Personal Freedom: Many view shower time limits as government overreach, restricting basic household choices.
⚠️ Grid Demand Issues: If households can’t heat water at night, this could lead to energy shortages in the evening.

A Policy Set to Fail?

Chris Bowen’s ban on gas hot water and mandatory two-minute showers dramatically shift household energy policies. While the plan aims to reduce emissions and water consumption, it presents severe affordability, reliability, and personal freedom challenges.

🔴 What happens next?

Will Australians accept shower restrictions?
Can the government enforce time limits?
Will renters and low-income families be left behind?

For now, one thing is sure—hot water will never be the same again. However, the government is committed to supporting those who may struggle with the changes, providing reassurance in these uncertain times.

Conclusion: Is This Australia's Future?

Could the next government enforce solar-powered hot water, daytime-only heating, and mandatory two-minute showers? Maybe not… but with growing gas and household energy use restrictions, all of these measures are technically possible, and with Chris Bowens, fanaticism might not be that far from reality.

For now, Australians can still enjoy long, steamy showers—but if Bowen’s dream of full electrification from renewables comes true, we might all need to start practising speed showering.

Bunnings Are Still Not Plumbers – And Never Will Be

by Gary Mays | Feb 3, 2025 | Bunnings

Bunnings & DIY Plumbing – A Decade Later, Nothing Has Changed

Back in February 2014, we wrote a blog explaining why Bunnings is not a plumber and never will be. Fast-forward to 2025, and guess what? Nothing has changed—except that Bunnings now wholly dominates the Australian hardware landscape.

If you thought your local hardware store was safe, think again. Bunnings has flexed its corporate muscles, sending countless small, family-run hardware shops to the retail graveyard. But one thing remains unchanged: while Bunnings might sell you plumbing parts, they can’t send an employee who is a qualified plumber to install them.

The Bunnings Effect: Where Every Staff Member Is "Pretty Sure" But Bunnings Are Still Not Plumbers

Walk into any Bunnings, and you’ll find a sea of green aprons, all ready to give you the best DIY advice… based on what they think they remember from the packaging.

Need a pressure-limiting valve? “Nah mate, this hose fitting should do.”
Replacing a mixer tap? “Yeah, just grab some of that white plumber’s tape—should be right.”
Gas fitting? “We don’t do that, but here’s a garden hose connector!”

The reality is Bunnings staff are not plumbers—they’re retail assistants. While many are friendly and helpful, they are not licensed professionals who understand AS/NZS 3500 plumbing regulations or what happens when you accidentally connect your new fridge to the hot water line instead of the cold.

DIY Plumbing: Because Who Needs a Functional Bathroom Anyway?

The Bunnings “do it yourself” mentality is great for painting a fence or planting a veggie garden. But when it comes to plumbing, things get a little riskier.

Here’s what often happens when DIY plumbing goes wrong:

🚰 The Never-Ending Drip: “I swear I tightened it properly.” (No, you didn’t.)
🚿 The Exploding Mixer Tap: “It worked fine… until it wasn’t.”
💦 Water Hammer Nightmare: “Why does my house sound like a drum solo every time I flush?”
🔥 The Hot-Cold Surprise: “Why is my shower either molten lava or arctic freeze?”

By the time reality sets in, you’re on the phone with a licensed plumber, who now has to fix your DIY disaster—which always costs more than just calling a plumber in the first place.

The Death of Local Hardware Stores & The Rise of The Bunnings Empire

Once upon a time, you could walk into your local hardware store and get honest advice from real tradies. They knew their stuff because they’d spent decades working in the trade, not just scanning barcodes.

Bunnings, with its bulk-buy pricing and relentless expansion, has changed that. Most small, independent hardware stores have shut down, unable to compete with the warehouse-sized giant that now dominates Australia.

While Bunnings is excellent for snagging a sausage sizzle, it has left a gaping hole in professional, trade-based advice. Plumbing is not now and has never been DIY-friendly, but Bunnings will happily sell you the parts and let you figure that out the hard way.

Nothing Has Changed—And It Probably Never Will

It’s been over a decade since we first warned that Bunnings are not plumbers and never will be. If anything, the problem has only gotten bigger—literally.

So before you take plumbing advice from someone who was stacking garden mulch yesterday, ask yourself:

✅ Do I really know what I’m doing?
✅ Will this actually fix my plumbing issue?
✅ What will it cost when I inevitably have to call a plumber anyway?

Or better yet—skip the DIY disaster and call a licensed plumber first.

📞 Need expert plumbing help? Call Whywait Plumbing on (07) 5580 4311.

And if you want to revisit our original 2014 blog, where we first tackled this Bunnings saga, you can read it here. Spoiler alert: Nothing has changed.

The Hidden Plumbing Crisis: Why Toilet Paper is Clogging Urinals

by Gary Mays | Jan 20, 2025 | Toilet Paper Clogging Urinals

Uncovering the Plumbing Nightmare: Why Toilet Paper is Clogging Urinals Nationwide

While a piece of toilet paper tissue in a urinal may seem like a minor inconvenience, its disposal—whether intentional or accidental—can lead to significant challenges for plumbing systems, public health, and restroom hygiene. This article explores the history, causes, impacts, and solutions for this pervasive sanitation issue, highlighting its importance in modern facilities.

A Historical Perspective: How We Got Here

Disposing of toilet paper in urinals is tied to cultural norms, infrastructure limitations, and historical practices. The invention of perforated toilet paper rolls in the late 19th century revolutionised sanitation.

However, plumbing systems in many countries lagged, leading to practices such as disposing of toilet paper in trash bins. This is especially common in areas with older or underpowered plumbing systems. Today, improper disposal of toilet paper in urinals reflects a mix of historical legacies and modern-day behaviour.

The Prevalence of the Problem of Why Toilet Paper is Clogging Urinals

Toilet paper in urinals is widespread, particularly in high-traffic public toilets and restrooms such as McDonalds restaurants, airports, shopping malls, and office buildings. Several factors contribute to this problem:

Convenience: Crowded public toilets or the lack of nearby bins prompt quick disposal decisions.
Ignorance: Many users are unaware of the consequences of disposing of toilet paper in urinals.
Public Toilet Design: Poorly designed public toilets without adequate signage or bins encourage improper disposal.

In certain regions, such as parts of Central and South America and Eastern Europe, weak plumbing systems necessitate disposing of toilet paper in bins. This practice can persist even in public toilets equipped with urinals, exacerbating the issue.

Additionally, a recent trend among younger Australians involves dabbing the end of the penis with toilet paper after urination instead of relying on the traditional “shaking” method. While this practice is seen as more hygienic by some, it often leads to discarded toilet paper or tissues in urinals, adding to plumbing and maintenance challenges.

Moreover, recent migration into Australia has introduced a more significant influx of people from Africa, Asia, and Muslim backgrounds. In many of these cultures, historical practices emphasise using toilet paper tissue for personal hygiene after urination. This has further contributed to the frequency of improperly disposing of toilet paper in urinals, as these cultural practices intersect with public toilet infrastructure that may not effectively accommodate such needs.

Consequences of Toilet Tissue in Urinals

Plumbing System Damage
Toilet paper, though designed to disintegrate, can accumulate in urinals, leading to pipe blockages. These blockages restrict water flow, increase pressure, and may cause pipe damage, necessitating costly repairs.
Increased Operational Costs
Facilities must allocate significant resources to clear blockages. Specialised equipment such as FlexShaft and Rospimatic machines requires skilled professionals, adding to maintenance expenses.
Hygiene and Public Health Risks
Clogged or blocked urinals contribute to unsanitary conditions, including unpleasant odours and bacterial growth. This deters public toilet use and increases public health risks, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Environmental Impact
Improper disposal of toilet paper tissue impacts wastewater treatment facilities. Tissues that do not fully break down clog treatment systems, increase energy usage, and may lead to the release of untreated waste into the environment.

Why Does It Happen?

Understanding the causes of why toilet paper clogging is key to solving it:

Cultural Practices: Disposing of toilet paper in bins in regions with inadequate plumbing systems is a common habit that may carry over to public toilets.
User Behavior: Time constraints, lack of awareness, and poorly maintained restrooms contribute to improper disposal.
Public Toilet Infrastructure: A lack of clear signage or accessible bins leaves users with limited options.
Emerging Trends and Demographics: New habits, such as the hygienic dabbing method adopted by some users, along with cultural practices brought by recent migrants, have inadvertently contributed to the issue when toilet paper or tissues are improperly discarded.

Innovative Solutions for a Common Problem

Education and Awareness
Public awareness campaigns are vital. Installing clear signage near urinals and bins can educate users on proper disposal practices and the consequences of improper behaviour.
Improved Public Toilet Design
Strategically placing bins near urinals provides a convenient alternative for tissue disposal. Design innovations such as splash guards and user-friendly bins enhance functionality and reduce misuse.
Regular Maintenance
Routine maintenance schedules can prevent tissue accumulation and ensure operational efficiency. Monitoring systems that track public toilet usage can help identify high-risk areas. Poor maintenance and servicing worsen the problem, as urinals are not ‘install-and-forget’ sanitary fixtures. They require consistent servicing to ensure optimal functionality and to prevent issues like blockages and foul odours from arising. By committing to regular maintenance, you can rest assured that your facilities are in good working order, providing users with a safe and pleasant experience.
Professional Training
Educating maintenance staff on effective waste management and cleaning techniques supports long-term hygiene and functionality. This is particularly important as many property managers and cleaning supervisors are women who may lack firsthand experience dealing with urinals. Providing gender-inclusive training ensures all staff are equipped to manage these facilities effectively.
Innovative Products
Whywait Plumbing has successfully controlled this problem by installing an Enviroseal Flex Urinal Screen to manage odours and protect urinal drains. These screens are specially formulated for ZeroFlush waterless urinals but can be used on any waterless or water-flushing urinal. Their lie-flat shape allows them to fit any urinal, protecting the drain and trapping debris for easy removal while allowing the urinal to function efficiently. This innovative product is just one example of how technology can be harnessed to address common public toilet challenges.

Why It Matters: The Bigger Picture

Addressing the issue of toilet paper in urinals is about more than avoiding blockages. It highlights broader concerns around public hygiene, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.

As the COVID-19 pandemic underscored, proper sanitation practices are critical to public health. Simple steps like ensuring appropriate waste disposal can significantly improve hygiene standards and reduce environmental impacts.

Urinal Problems Don't Fix Themselves, But We Do

At Whywait Plumbing, we’ve seen firsthand how improper public toilet practices, such as disposing of toilet paper in urinals, can lead to unnecessary complications. However, these issues are entirely preventable. Facility managers can mitigate these problems effectively by adopting innovative designs, improving public awareness, and committing to regular maintenance.

Whether you’re a business owner, property manager, or someone curious about plumbing’s hidden challenges, addressing this issue is a step toward cleaner, more efficient facilities. By understanding and addressing these issues, you can take control of your facility’s sanitation and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable environment.

Need help managing your plumbing systems or tackling public toilet challenges? Contact Whywait Plumbing today to ensure your systems run smoothly and efficiently.

We can assist in solving your perennial question of why toilet paper is clogging urinals. Urinal problems don’t fix themselves, but we do—so contact us today.