In today's market, there are a multitude of products that are advertised as being flushable. Most consumers believe that these products are safe to use with standard plumbing or septic systems, but that couldn't be farther from the reality of the situation. If you've purchased flushable products or have considered doing so, you should read on to learn how and why these items could harm your plumbing.
What Flushable Means
When it comes to products sold at stores, the term flushable is a bit of a misnomer. Consumers think it means that the product can be flushed without harming one's plumbing, when the reality is it's simply a marketing term.
Flushable, in marketing speak, simply means that a product will go down the drain when you flush the toilet; that's all. It doesn't account for your type of plumbing, how old it is, or whether or not flushing dozens of the products could eventually cause a problem, like a blockage.
Unfortunately, many consumers only realize this once they've already flushed dozens or even hundreds of these products down their toilet and have developed a severe clog — or worse — that requires a plumber's expertise.
Things You Should Never Flush
No matter what a product says, there are some things you should never flush. These include:
Tampons - While it's common practice to flush these, they can bunch up and create major clogs in your sewer line.
Wipes - Flushable wipes are all the rage, but they too can cause blockages in your plumbing.
Cat Litter - Clumpable cat litter should never be flushed, as it literally clumps and creates large blobs in your plumbing that accumulate over time. In addition, used cat litter can potentially contaminate the water supply.
In short, if it didn't come out of your body and isn't toilet paper, you shouldn't try to flush it down your toilet.
What To Do
If you're interested in flushable products, there's no reason why you shouldn't buy them; just don't flush them. Some flushable products are biodegradable, which means that even if you put it in the garbage, it will break down more quickly than similar products. That means they're a bit better for the environment than throwing away something that will take decades or more to break down.
If you've already flushed a bunch of these things down your toilet and aren't having a problem yet, it's still a good idea to contact a plumber. They can detect partial blockages and clear them early on, which will save you from having a big headache in the future.
Share26 October 2017
Hello, my name is Yvonne Michaels. Welcome to my website about plumbing components. Plumbing systems of all kinds use interconnected components to bring fresh water in and waste water out of the building. By clearly understanding the plumbing components used in your commercial or residential building, you can ensure your systems remain in great operational condition for years to come. On this site, I will help you learn all about plumbing components for every system imaginable. I hope to inspire you to learn about these components and understand how they operate to keep your plumbing system in great shape. Thanks for coming by.
