Don’t Risk It – Learn What Should (and Shouldn’t) Go Down the Drain!
When it comes to what you can and can’t flush down a toilet, there are some commonly unknown misconceptions. Toilets are sensitive pieces of equipment and plumbing that are made to only flush a select few items. Sure, it looks indestructible, like it can flush anything, but it’s best to steer clear of flushing certain items.
The most common misconception is with baby wipes and other products that say that they are “flushable” on the label. It’s true these products can be flushed, but it all depends on the type of plumbing you have. Plumbing and pipes react differently based off of your climate and elevation, so it might not be suitable for your own system. When it comes to cleaning up after your children, it’s best to wrap up their diaper and wipe it up in a trash can instead of flushing it. If it does get flushed, it could get stuck in the pipes and cause clogs.
The same is true for feminine products, even if they are marketed as “flushable”. Anything cotton-based will never break down properly – no matter how long it sits in a septic tank. It’s best to discard it into a trash can and wrap it up with toilet paper.
Another thing people don’t normally know is that facial tissue and paper towels should never be flushed either. Facial tissues don’t break down like toilet paper does when it gets wet. So if you’re ever out of loo roll, make sure to wrap it up in paper and throw it in the bin.
Medicine too, is something that should never go into the plughole. Even though they are designed to melt in stomach acid, they take time to dissolve in the water supply – meaning they can cause clogs in the plumbing. As with any other rejected items, it’s best to discard them in a bag that’s sealed and take them to your nearest medication disposal facility.
Food can’t go down either, no matter how small or safe it seems. Dispose of it in the nearest bin or go down the route of a garbage disposal. Hair also can’t go down – even though this is something people with long hair know all too well. Hair is an infamous clogger, so when you brush, comb and wash – throw it straight in the bin.
If any of these items do get flushed, then be sure to keep an eye on your plumbing. Any problems such as slow drainage or your toilet not wanting to flush could be a sign that there is a clog in the way – so call a plumber if any of these concerns pop up. If you do have a septic tank and you’ve put any of the above mentioned items into the toilet – be sure to tell the servicemen and they will be able to take the necessary precautions.
In short, toilets can be a delicate piece of equipment and getting it wrong could result in some nasty clogs. Many products labeled as “flushable” can’t be flushed and disposable wipes and toilet paper, feminine products, medicine and food should also be kept away from the plughole. By simply disposing of these items in the bin, it can save time, money and keep your plumbing running smoothly.
