To flush, or not to flush? Here’s the latest advice in case of toilet paper shortages
Many supermarkets in the country have reported running out of toilet paper as shoppers buy in bulk as a result of COVID-19
Thames Water is urging its customers to help reduce the risk of sewer blockages as shoppers face empty shelves when they go to buy toilet rolls.
Shoppers concerned about having to self-isolate amid the spread of coronavirus in the UK have sparked high demand for some items.
But people have been told there is no need to stockpile and have been warned against doing so, as images emerged of empty shelves in stores.
Wipes, along with other "unflushables" like nappies and sanitary products do not break down in pipes, and can combine with fats, oils and grease to create fatbergs.
Matt Rimmer, Thames Water's head of waste networks, said: “Wet wipes and kitchen roll can be hugely damaging to our sewers and our customers can really help us by not flushing them down the toilet.”