You use our toilet every day, you rely on it to work whether you give it a second thought or not. A septic system is fragile and only works efficiently when used properly in the way it was designed to work. This being said, it’s important to know what can and can’t be flushed down the toilet, what might harm your septic system and what might cause a plumbing disaster! We’ve compiled a list of common items that are flushed down the toilet that really shouldn’t be. Keep reading to learn about what you should avoid flushing next time you’re in the bathroom.
Hair
Hair does not dissolve in water no matter how long it sits there which causes clogs in pipes and blockage. When hair accumulates in pipes it tends to form a net that gets stuck on and clings to everything that gets flushed down the toilet.
Baby Wipes
All baby wipes, even ones labeled as flushable are common causes of clogs. Baby wipes do not disintegrate or dissolve the same way that toilet paper does, and typically take longer to do so. With that being said, it’s a better idea to toss wipes in the trash rather than risk a potential plumbing disaster!
Q-tips
Q-tips, along with cotton pads and balls are not flushable! When wet, cotton products clump together and cause blocked pipes. While cotton toilet paper is safe to flush, Q-tips and cotton pads don’t dissolve at the same pace or in the same way. Make a habit of throwing these kinds of products in the trash instead of flushing!
Floss
Floss causes similar problems that hair does when flushed. Like hair, floss creates a net which latches on and wraps around anything and everything. Floss can potentially wrap around different parts of your septic system and cause the motor to burn out. Not only does Floss cause issues for your septic system, it’s also terrible for the environment. Making an effort to dispose of floss in a different way can prevent all sorts of problems.
Paper Towels and Tissues
Paper towels and tissues are not made to be flushed down the toilet like toilet paper is. They’re made to clean up messes and be disposed of in the trash. Paper towels have a harder time dissolving than toilet paper does, which will lead to clogs in your plumbing system. Will paper towels or tissues ruin your septic system upon flushing it down the toilet once? Probably not, but it’s best to avoid the risk all together. If you need to use paper towels or a tissue in place of toilet paper, throw it in the garbage after you’re done instead of flushing it.
