When it comes to worry-free flushing, stick to the 3 Ps:
- Pee
- Poop
- (Toilet) Paper
Luckily, it’s a short list so it’s easy to remember. Unfortunately, too many are tempted to use their toilet as a trashcan which will lead to a nasty backup (it’s not a matter of if, but when!)
Items frequently flushed that should never be:
- Facial tissues
- Baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, moist wipes, etc.
- Toilet bowl scrub pads
- Swiffer’s
- Napkins (paper or cloth), paper towels
- Dental floss
- Egg shells, nutshells, and coffee grounds
- Fats, oils, and greases
- Hair
- Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, or any non-organic material
- Vitamins, medicines, or other pharmaceuticals
- Sheet plastic, or plastic of any kind
- Diapers (cloth, disposable, “flushable”)
Need more convincing? Try a “flushability test.”
- Fill two bowls with water.
- Place toilet paper in one, and place one of the items listed above in the other.
- Swish both items in the water.
- Wait an hour, then swish again.
The toilet paper should have significantly disintegrated in an hour, while the other item will likely remain intact. Unless the item disintegrates at the rate of toilet paper, it should be placed in the garbage and not down the toilet. Otherwise, you risk a blockage in your pipes as well as clogging a pump station and causing a sewage backup for other homes and businesses.
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