For most of us, flushing the toilet is a daily routine. But did you know that flushing certain items down your toilet can be hazardous to your plumbing system? Toilet troubles can be avoided by learning which items should and shouldn’t be flushed down the drain. Wipes, for example, are a popular bathroom item, but are they flushable? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more as we explore what can and can’t be flushed down the toilet.

What can be flushed?

When it comes to what can be flushed down your toilet, the simplest answer is: only human waste and toilet paper. Toilets are not trash cans, and flushing anything else can cause problems. Anything that isn’t meant to be flushed down the drain should be put in the trash.

Flushing human waste and toilet paper down the toilet is perfectly safe. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly and break up when flushed, so it will move through the plumbing system without causing clogs or backups. It’s also important to note that many wipes labeled as “flushable” do not actually break down quickly enough to be safely flushed. It’s best to err on the side of caution and throw these wipes in the trash instead.

What can’t be flushed?

Flushing certain items down the toilet can cause serious damage to your plumbing system and even lead to plumbing emergencies. To ensure that your plumbing remains in optimal condition, avoid flushing any of the following items:

  • Paper towels and tissues: These products are not designed to be flushed and can cause clogs in your pipes and sewer lines.
  • Feminine hygiene products: These products contain plastic components that do not break down in water, so they can easily cause blockages in your plumbing.
  • Diapers: Disposable diapers are made of material that does not break down in water and can also cause blockages.
  • Cigarette butts: Even though they are small, they can still create a clog in your pipes and sewer lines.
  • Hair: Although it might seem like hair would break down easily, it can actually form mats that cling to the sides of the pipes, resulting in clogs.
  • Cat litter: Many cat litters are made of clay, which is not designed to be flushed and can easily create blockages.

It’s important to remember that only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Flushing any other items can lead to costly repairs or replacements for your plumbing system.

Why is toilet paper safe to flush?

Toilet paper is safe to flush because it is designed to break down quickly once it comes into contact with water. This helps prevent clogging and ensures that your plumbing system runs smoothly. In comparison, wipes and other items can take much longer to break down, potentially leading to clogs and other plumbing issues. Toilet paper is specifically designed for the job of flushing, so it’s the best option for your plumbing system.

So, are wipes flushable?

The short answer to this question is: it depends. While some wipes are labeled as “flushable,” not all of them are safe to be put down the toilet. In fact, most wipes (even those labeled as flushable) should not be flushed. The fibres in the wipes can easily cause clogs in your plumbing system, leading to costly damage. Additionally, when wipes enter sewage systems, they can cause pumps and pipes to become blocked, resulting in overflows of sewage. This can be dangerous to the environment and potentially hazardous to public health.

To avoid these issues, it is important to always follow the three Ps: pee, poo, and toilet paper. Flush only human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. All other items, including wipes, should be disposed of in the trash.