Just because something can go down the toilet does not mean it is flushable. Flushing wrong items down the toilet can lead to costly plumbing issues and inconvenient blockages. Many everyday products, like paper towels, wipes, and even some types of tissue, don’t break down properly and can clog your pipes over time. To keep your plumbing system running smoothly, it’s important to know what should and shouldn’t go down the toilet drain. So read on for what not to flush down the toilet.
Things you should not flush down the toilet
Paper Towels and Napkins
Whilst paper towels are made of paper that will eventually dissolve in water, this paper is made from high-quality wood pulp, designed for durability, absorbency and strength.
An alternative option would be to dispose of this waste in your compost heap or rubbish bin.
Facial Tissues
Facial tissues have been treated with a chemical binder that takes time to release and break down when flushed.
An alternative option would be to dispose of this waste in your compost heap or the rubbish bin.
Paper
Regular paper does not break down quickly, however, it will quickly form a clump if flushed. It will eventually dissolve but not before it reaches the treatment plant.
An alternative option would be to dispose of this waste in your compost heap, paper & cardboard recycling bin or rubbish bin.
Newspaper
Like other paper products, it is not designed to flush down a toilet.
An alternative option would be to dispose of this waste in your compost heap or paper & cardboard recycling bin.
Wipes (even if they say flushable)
Often wipes contain rayon or viscose which cannot be broken down like toilet paper. Pumps at treatment plants break down because they become clogged up with wipes that are unable to be broken down. They are removed and taken to the dump.
An alternative option would definitely be the rubbish bin.
Pasta or Rice
We have seen some people flush down rice or pasta in their toilet. Pasta and rice swell in water and are sticky. They can easily pile up and cause clogging pipes. Food waste of any kind should be avoided from being flushed down the toilet. Large food particles can cause blockages in the toilet.
Hygiene Products
Hygiene products including tampons, sanitary pads, and wrappers should not be flushed down the toilet. These products can expand in the toilet and cause a blocked toilet.
Blockages usually happen within the toilet trap – the S-shaped or P-shaped bend is located below your toilet bowl. Products can also get stuck further down from the main toilet stack, resulting in a blocked drain forming inside the actual drainage pipe.
If the toilet is draining sluggishly when flushed, or not clearing at all, the drain is probably blocked.
If in doubt, throw it out to recycling – not the toilet!!
Common questions:
Can Kleenex go down the toilet? Or can I flush Kleenex?
No, Kleenex should not be flushed down the toilet. Kleenex products such as facial tissues and disposable hand towels are more durable and do not break down easily in water, which can lead to clogs.
What happens if you flush tissues?
Flushing tissues can cause drain blockages in your plumbing system because they do not dissolve as quickly as toilet paper.
Can you flush tissues down the toilet?
No, you can’t flush tissues down the toilet. They can easily clog the toilet as they don’t break down easily which can potentially lead to plumbing issues.
Will tissues clog a toilet?
Yes, tissues can clog a toilet, especially if flushed in large amounts. Since they don’t break down as easily as toilet paper, they can create a blockage in the pipes, leading to slow drainage or even a full clog.
Can tampons go down the toilet?
No, tampons should never be flushed down the toilet. They are designed to absorb liquid and expand, making them a major cause of blockages in plumbing and sewer systems. Always dispose of tampons in the bin.
Can hair go down the toilet?
No, hair should not be flushed down the toilet. Hair does not dissolve in water and can tangle with other debris, leading to clogs in pipes and drains. It’s best to throw hair in the trash.
Can vegetable oil go down the toilet?
No, vegetable oil should not be poured down the toilet. It can solidify and stick to the inside of pipes, causing blockages. Instead, let it cool and dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash.
Is your toilet clogged and causing a mess? Don’t wait — call Southern today! Our expert team is ready to unblock your toilet quickly and efficiently, so you can get back to your day hassle-free. Contact us now at 0800 484 353 for fast and reliable service!