Why Wipes, Paper Towels & Sanitary Products Block Drains – Geelong’s Hidden Plumbing Problem

By Sewer Cure– Drainage Experts for Geelong The Bellarine & The Surf Coast Homeowners

It’s a problem we see almost daily across homes and businesses in Geelong: blocked sewer and stormwater drains caused by items that should never have been flushed. Sanitary products, wet wipes (even “flushable” ones), and paper towels are some of the biggest culprits.

These everyday items might seem harmless, but once inside your pipes, they can cause major blockages, nasty overflows, and expensive repairs.

In this post, we’ll explain:

● Why these products don’t break down like toilet paper

What Damage Can It Cause?

These items not only block water flow—they trap other debris, harden, and cause ongoing issues like:

● Overflowing toilets and storm drains

● Flooding of bathrooms and landscaped areas

● Ongoing plumber callouts (every few months)

● Health hazards from sewage backups

Even one or two wipes flushed regularly can eventually build up into a solid mass known as a

“fatberg”—something we’ve removed from sewer lines in suburbs like Highton, Altona, Geelong CBD, and Torquay.

Solutions: How Blockage Masters Fixes It

At Sewer Cure, we’re experts in locating, removing and preventing sanitary product-related

blockages.

Step 1: CCTV Drain Inspection

We send a drain camera into your sewer line to locate the blockage and determine the cause. You’ll see what’s really in your pipes—and we’ll explain it clearly.

Step 2: Drain Clearing with Hydro Jetting

We use high-pressure water jets to break apart and flush away debris and hardened products. For heavy clumps and fatbergs, we have a commercial drain hydro jetter to tackle even the most stubborn blockages.

Step 3: Pipe Inspection for Damage

Sanitary blockages can be caused by older, damaged pipes or joints. We’ll assess if there’s any long-term damage or misalignment and recommend pipe repair or relining if needed.

Step 4: Education and Prevention Advice

We’ll give you or your tenants clear advice on what can and can’t go down the drain, and help you avoid repeat issues in the future.

How to Prevent Wipe & Sanitary Blockages

Simple changes in bathroom habits can save thousands in plumbing bills:

● Never flush:

○ Baby wipes (even “flushable” ones)

○ Makeup wipes

○ Sanitary pads and tampons

○ Paper towels and napkins

○ Cotton balls and buds

● Only flush:

○ Toilet paper

○ Human waste

● Use a covered bin for sanitary items

● Educate all household members (especially kids and tenants)

● Keep bathroom signage in commercial properties and rentals

● Book preventative drain cleaning for high-use homes or buildings

Servicing Geelong & Surrounds – Fast, Affordable Drain Help

Whether you’re in Geelong, Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast, or Melbourne's Western Suburbs, Blockage Masters is your local drainage expert.

We offer:

● Same-day and 24/7 emergency response

● Transparent pricing with no hidden costs

● Long-term drain solutions—not just a quick fix

Don’t wait until your bathroom floods!

If you suspect a blockage—or just want peace of mind—contact Sewer Cure today and protect your home from expensive drain damage.