Avoid costly repairs and environmental harm
Flushing the toilet may seem like an easy task, but did you know that certain items can cause serious damage to your plumbing and the environment? While most of us understand the basic rule of using the toilet for waste and toilet paper, it’s easy to forget that other common household items can cause massive blockages. In this blog, we’ll explore the items you should never flush down the toilet and why you should think twice before doing so.
Common Household Items You Should Never Flush
Here’s a quick rundown of some surprising culprits that could be harming your plumbing:
Toilet Paper
It may seem harmless, but not all toilet paper is created equal. In regions with old plumbing systems, such as parts of Greece and Argentina, flushing toilet paper is discouraged because it can block pipes. Even in modern systems, if you have a septic tank, you should avoid flushing anything other than waste and toilet paper. Septic tanks don’t break down paper quickly, and this can lead to costly repairs.
Dental Floss
Dental floss may appear small and harmless, but it’s made of strong, fibrous materials that don’t break down easily. When flushed, floss can form a net that catches other debris in the pipes, causing clogs. Additionally, synthetic floss does not decompose, making it a serious environmental hazard.
Chewing Gum
If you’ve ever swallowed chewing gum, you may have heard the myth that it stays in your stomach for years. While that’s not true, the fact remains that chewing gum doesn’t dissolve in water. Flushing it down the toilet can cause it to stick to pipes, leading to blockages and expensive plumbing issues.
Fish
While it may be tempting to dispose of your deceased aquarium fish in the toilet, flushable fish is a myth. Flushing a dead fish down the toilet can harm the environment, especially when exotic species end up in local water systems, affecting native species. Instead, consider burying the fish or taking it to a vet for proper disposal.
Band-Aids
Band-Aids are made of a mix of materials, including rubber, wax, and fabric—none of which dissolve in water. Flushing these items can cause significant pipe clogs and lead to plumbing disasters. Always toss them in the trash to avoid problems later on.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are made from polymers that don’t break down in water. Every year, over 20 tonnes of contact lenses are flushed into the sewer systems, causing harm to the environment. It’s better to recycle your lenses through manufacturer programs or simply dispose of them in the trash.
Cat Feces
It may seem logical to flush cat litter and waste, but cat feces contains a parasite called toxoplasma, which can survive in water. Flushing it can lead to contamination of water sources, harming both marine life and the local ecosystem. Instead, dispose of it in your trash.
Bleach
While bleach may be a go-to for cleaning, chlorine-based products can damage pipes and harm septic systems. When used frequently, bleach can kill the bacteria essential for a septic tank’s proper function. Instead, opt for milder, natural alternatives like vinegar for cleaning your toilet.
Face Masks
The rise of clay-based face masks has led to a surprising amount of them being flushed down the toilet. These masks contain tiny particles that can build up inside pipes and cause blockages over time. Dispose of them properly by removing the thick layer with a cloth and washing off any residue with water.
Plastic Bags Plastic bags are a huge environmental problem, and flushing them only worsens the issue. Even small pieces of plastic can cause serious clogs and, eventually, find their way into the oceans. Every year, 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans, much of it from improper disposal methods like flushing.
