With news of toilet paper shortages and stockpiling common across the U.S., some homeowners are reaching for alternatives to flush down their toilets.
However, flushing anything other than toilet paper can not only clog your toilet, it can also create a nightmare for your septic system and wastewater treatment plants.
We advise homeowners to only flush toilet paper. Other items may seem or even be labeled as "flushable" or "biodegradable," but they do not break down in water the same way as toilet paper and could take weeks, months, or even years to fully degrade. Meanwhile, they just sit, and over time they can damage or clog your pipes.
Here is what not to flush down your toilet:
Disposable baby or disinfectant wipes
If you are running low on toilet paper, here’s what we suggest:
• Ration toilet paper.
Children-and perhaps all of us- tend to use more toilet paper than needed, so paying close attention to how much your family uses.
• Use alternatives; just don’t flush.
Using disposable wipes, paper towels, and the other items listed above is fine, just dispose of them in a plastic bag or a trash can when you’re finished instead of flushing them down the toilet.
While we’re discussing what not to flush, even these common household items should not be flushed down your toilet. They can also cause eventual plumbing problems.
• Dental floss
• Vitamins and medicines
• Cotton balls/cotton swabs
• Feminine hygiene products
• Oils and greases
If you found this article too late and you have clogged pipes now, we have an expert plumber near you who can help. We are ready to examine and restore your family’s plumbing. Find your local Benjamin Franklin plumber.