
When it comes to flushing things down the toilet, it can be tempting to use it as a disposal system for anything and everything. However, this can lead to major plumbing issues and even harm the environment.
Here are five things you should never flush down a toilet.
Firstly, avoid flushing wet wipes down the toilet. Despite some brands claiming to be “flushable,” they do not break down in the same way as toilet paper and can cause blockages in your plumbing system. Instead, dispose of them in the bin.
Secondly, do not flush sanitary products down the toilet. Tampons, pads, and liners should be wrapped in toilet paper and disposed of in the bin. Flushing them can cause blockages and even harm the sewage system.
Thirdly, avoid flushing cooking oils and fats down the toilet. These substances can solidify and clog pipes, leading to costly repairs. Instead, dispose of them in a container and throw them in the bin.
Why Flushing The Wrong Thing Can Cause Blocked Drains!
Flushing the wrong things down your toilet can cause blocked drains, which can be a real headache to deal with. Here are some of the reasons why you should never flush certain items down the toilet:
1. Non-degradable items
Non-degradable items like wet wipes, sanitary products, and cotton buds should never be flushed down the toilet. These items do not break down like toilet paper and can cause blockages in your pipes. Instead, dispose of them in the bin.
2. Cooking Oil and Grease
Cooking oil and grease should never be poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet. They can solidify in your pipes, causing blockages. Instead, let the oil cool and dispose of it in the bin.
3. Dental Floss
Dental floss may seem harmless, but it can cause blockages in your pipes. It does not break down like toilet paper and can get tangled up in your pipes, causing blockages.
4. Medication
Flushing medication down the toilet can be harmful to the environment. It can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life. Instead, dispose of medication at your local pharmacy.
5. Cat Litter
Cat litter should also not be flushed down the toilet. It can cause blockages in your pipes and harm the environment. Instead, dispose of it in the bin.
Personal Hygiene Products
When it comes to personal hygiene products, it’s important to remember that not everything can be flushed down the toilet. Here are two types of personal hygiene products that you should never flush down the toilet:
Wet Wipes
Wet wipes, also known as baby wipes or cleansing wipes, are often marketed as being flushable. However, this is not entirely true. While they may flush down the toilet, they can cause serious blockages in your plumbing system and can even cause damage to the sewage treatment plant. Wet wipes are not biodegradable and do not break down like toilet paper, so they can clog up your pipes and cause costly repairs.
To avoid any plumbing issues, it’s best to dispose of wet wipes in the bin instead of flushing them down the toilet. This will not only prevent blockages but also help to protect the environment.
Sanitary Items
Sanitary items such as tampons, pads, and panty liners should never be flushed down the toilet. These items are not designed to break down in water and can cause serious blockages in your plumbing system. They can also cause damage to the sewage treatment plant and pollute the environment.
To dispose of sanitary items, wrap them in toilet paper or use a special disposal bag and dispose of them in the bin. This will not only prevent blockages but also help to keep our waterways and environment clean.
Household Waste Items
When it comes to household waste items, there are a few things that you should never flush down the toilet. These items can cause serious damage to your plumbing system and can be harmful to the environment. Here are two common household waste items that you should never flush down the toilet.
Paper Towels
While it may be tempting to flush paper towels down the toilet, they should never be flushed. Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are designed to be absorbent and do not break down easily. This means that they can easily clog your plumbing system and cause serious damage. Instead, it is best to dispose of paper towels in the bin.
Cotton Buds
Cotton buds, also known as Q-tips, are another common household waste item that should never be flushed down the toilet. These small items can easily get stuck in your plumbing system and cause serious blockages. Instead, it is best to dispose of cotton buds in the bin.
Hazardous Substances
When it comes to flushing things down the toilet, there are a few hazardous substances that you should never dispose of in this way. These substances can cause serious harm to the environment and potentially even to your health. Here are two examples:
Medications
Many people believe that it is safe to flush unused medications down the toilet, but this is not the case. When you flush medications down the toilet, they can end up in the water supply and harm aquatic life. Additionally, some medications can actually survive the treatment process at wastewater treatment plants and end up in local waterways.
Instead of flushing medications down the toilet, you should dispose of them properly. Many pharmacies and hospitals have drug take-back programs where you can safely dispose of unused medications. If there is no take-back program in your area, you can also mix the medication with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or cat litter and dispose of it in the trash.
Chemical Cleaners
Chemical cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and drain cleaners should also never be flushed down the toilet. These substances can be harmful to both the environment and to human health. When you flush chemical cleaners down the toilet, they can end up in the water supply and harm aquatic life. Additionally, these substances can cause irritation or burns if they come into contact with your skin or eyes.
Instead of flushing chemical cleaners down the toilet, you should dispose of them properly. Many cities have hazardous waste disposal programs where you can safely dispose of these substances. If there is no hazardous waste disposal program in your area, you can also contact your local waste management facility for advice on how to dispose of these substances safely.
Miscellaneous Objects to Avoid
When it comes to flushing things down the toilet, there are some items that may seem harmless but can cause serious problems. Here are a few miscellaneous objects that you should never flush down the toilet.
Dental Floss
Dental floss may seem like a harmless item to flush down the toilet, but it can actually cause a lot of damage. Dental floss is not biodegradable and can wrap around other items in your pipes, causing a blockage. Instead of flushing dental floss, wrap it around your fingers and throw it in the bin.
Food Grease
Pouring food grease down the toilet may seem like a convenient way to dispose of it, but it can cause serious problems. When food grease cools, it solidifies and can cause a blockage in your pipes.
Instead, pour food grease into a container and dispose of it in the bin.
Remember, the only things that should be flushed down the toilet are the three P’s – pee, poo, and paper. Anything else can cause serious problems and lead to costly repairs.
By avoiding these miscellaneous objects, you can help keep your pipes clear and avoid any plumbing disasters.