Are “Flushable” Wipes Actually Flushable?
With both the President of the United States and the Centers for Disease Control recommending that most Americans stay home for the next few weeks due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many Americans are using their residential plumbing more now than ever. Along with the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a toilet paper shortage in many areas, including here in Vancouver, WA. To keep your plumbing working efficiently, it’s critical to understand what can and cannot go down the drain.
Can “Flushable” Wipes Go Down the Toilet?
Out of toilet paper? Don’t flush those wet wipes down the toilet. It could cost you in emergency plumbing repairs!
No, flushable wipes cannot go down the toilet. While many wet wipes are marketed as “flushable” or “septic-safe,” they still take longer to break down in the sewage system than regular toilet paper does. Keep in mind that those packages are created by marketing professionals, not plumbers. To prevent costly plumbing repairs, don’t dispose of wet wipes or diaper wipes down the toilet even if they say they’re “flushable.”
Wet Wipes Cause Ragging In Your Plumbing
When you flush wet wipes down your toilet, you run the risk of creating a plumbing problem known as “ragging.” Ragging is when wet wipes and other debris such as hair get caught up with each other in the pipes, creating slow drainage issues and clogs. To avoid ragging, don’t flush wet wipes down the toilet and dispose of them in the trash, instead.
Can I Flush Tampons Down the Toilet?
No, you cannot flush tampons down the toilet. While tampons are one of the most commonly-flushed items other than toilet paper, they also contribute to ragging in your home’s plumbing system. Flushing tampons can result in costly plumbing repairs. While many people flush their tampons down the toilet after use, this is not recommended, even by the companies who make them.
The Tampax website states that tampons “are biodegradable in landfills, but flushing them is not ideal for tampon disposal. Tampons cannot be processed by wastewater-treatment facilities and they can harm septic systems. Please help us help the environment by disposing of tampons securely in the trash. That way, we can all do our part for the environment.” There you have it. No tampons down the toilet!
Can I Flush Tissues Down the Toilet?
No, facial tissues like Kleenex cannot go down the toilet. Kleenex and other facial tissues do not have the same composition as toilet paper and may cause clogs. Since facial tissue doesn’t break down in the plumbing system the same way that toilet paper does, it can lead to blockages in the pipes at bends and other junctions. To be safe, don’t flush anything other than toilet paper and “the obvious” down the toilet.
Can I Flush Paper Towels Down the Toilet?
No, paper towels cannot go down the toilet. If you run out of toilet paper and must use something else while in quarantine, then it’s best to dispose of it in the garbage rather than down the toilet. Ignoring this advice can cost homeowners a lot of money in avoidable plumbing repairs.
Can I Flush Napkins Down the Toilet?
No, napkins cannot go down the toilet. As mentioned before, flushing paper products other than toilet paper down the toilet can create clogs and blockages in your home’s plumbing. Do not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
Can I Flush Cat Litter Down the Toilet?
No, you cannot put cat litter down the toilet, even if the packaging says it’s “flushable.” Cat litter tends to linger in the pipes and can cause a myriad of plumbing issues. Use biodegradable doggie bags when cleaning out the litter box instead of flushing it down the toilet!
Can I Flush Hair Down the Toilet?
No, do not flush hair down the toilet. If you find that you’re fishing hair clogs out of the sink and shower all the time, don’t then throw those clumps of hair into the toilet. Throw the hair away in the garbage to save your plumbing!
Can I Flush Diapers Down the Toilet?
No. Do not flush diapers down the toilet. One of the most common causes of severe toilet clogs is diapers. While diapers are meant to hold human waste, they’re not appropriate to flush down the toilet. The plastics and cotton in most disposable diapers will wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing.
Can I Flush Food Down the Toilet?
No, do not flush food down the toilet. While your little ones may be tempted to get rid of unwanted food down the commode, this can have disastrous consequences for your wallet if you have to call for emergency plumbing repairs due to a clog.
Can I Flush My Pet Fish Down the Toilet?
A popular way to say goodbye to our finned friends is to send them “back to the ocean” through the toilet. However, this is not a good way to grieve if you want to keep your plumbing working properly. We suggest holding a memorial service for your beloved fish outside and disposing of its earthly body in the garbage or by burial.
Can I Flush Pills Down the Toilet?
No, do not flush your expired medication down the toilet. The chemicals in pills can make their way into the water treatment center or the groundwater, which can have disastrous effects on wildlife and public health. Make sure to properly dispose of expired pills and other medication through a community medicine take-back program.
Can I Flush Dental Floss Down the Toilet?
No, dental floss cannot be flushed down the toilet. Floss can get tangled with other debris in the sewage system, causing blockages. Dispose of dental floss in a small trashcan in the bathroom to dissuade you from tossing it in the convenient commode.
How Can M5 Plumbing Services, Inc., Help You?
M5 Plumbing Services, Inc. is a local veteran-owned plumbing service company that focuses primarily on customer care and high-quality services. If you find yourself stuck at home with a stubborn clog, call M5 Plumbing Services for emergency repair and other plumbing services!