How to Determine What is Flushable
Just because something can physically be flushed down the toilet doesn’t mean that it should be. There are many items that you can flush that can damage your home’s plumbing. Some of these items should clearly stay out of the toilet, but there are some that are misconceived as flushable.
Damage
Flushing things that aren’t flushable can lead to clogged toilets, broken pipes, and damaged cesspools. While there are many things that say “flushable” on the packaging, toilets are only mean to handle human waste, water, and toilet paper. Toilets and household plumbing are very sensitive because even an overload of these things can cause clogs and plumbing damage.
Do Not Flush
There are many bathroom toiletry items that are kept, used, and disposed of in the bathroom. Many of these toiletries are constantly flushed because once they’re out of sight, they’re out of mind. These items include facial tissues, paper towels, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, etc. There are even some kitchen products that are flushed like coffee grounds, oils, and grease. None of these items should ever be flushed down the toilet.
The Test
If the packaging of a product says “flushable”, do not assume that it should be flushed. A way to tell if a product is truly flushable is to let it sit. Fill a bowl with water, submerge the product in the bowl, and let it sit for an hour. Come back to the bowl, swish the product around, and see if it breaks up. If it is easily broken up then it can be flushed; if it stays intact then throw it in a waste bin.
It’s time to break the habit of flushing everything down the toilet. Keep the items flushed to a minimum and your plumbing system will thank you. If you ever happen to have a serious clog, broken pipe, or damaged cesspool, then contact the professionals at LPH Service. To learn more, or to schedule a service, give us a call at (717) 207-8198.
