In our previous blog, Mommy, where does the poop go? Bosman Plumbing helped us understand the ways of the sewer system. Little Harry was delighted with his impossible question being answered and then tried to send his little sister’s favourite stuffed toy to the land that turns poop into water.
It’s time for another lesson on what items and liquids are safe to flush and what should be placed on the no-no list for Little Harry.
The extensive No List.
1. Baby Wipes – Even if the product states flushable, never flush baby wipes, rather pop them in the wastebasket instead. With the frequency of use, the number of wipes can cause a problem. Wipes do not disintegrate the way toilet paper does and can eventually cause plumbing issues.
2. Q-Tips, Cotton Pads or Other Cotton Products – these are not safe to flush; they do not break down; they clump together in your pipes.
3. Menstrual Products – menstrual products (tampons, pads, etc.) absorb water, not break down in it, meaning they will only expand when you flush them. Best stay clear, especially in a home where a few people are using such items, and excessive flushing of menstrual products are on the top of our clogging call-out list.
4. Condoms – Plastic and plastic products are not designed to break down in the water, so flushing them can cause clogs in toilets and septic tanks.
5. Nappies – Just like menstrual products, diapers are meant to absorb water. Pop them in the wastebin bagged and tied to reduce any odour before disposal.
6. Dental Floss – this one has an extra no. It not only clogs your pipes but flushing dental floss can cause environmental damage. When the floss is flushed, it can turn into a net, catching and holding onto other debris as well as wrap around parts of your septic system and burn out the motor.
7. Paper Towels & Tissues – Not all paper products are designed to break down how toilet paper does. If it’s not toilet paper, rather dispose of it in another way.
8. Medication – never flush old medication. The chemical composition of toilet water does not break them down properly, meaning the medicine gets into the water and can cause toxic environmental effects.
9. Cigarette Butts – this one falls in the same category as medication. Not only can it cause clogs, but cigarette butts are also made of toxic chemicals, and that’s exactly what flushing cigarettes down the drain adds to the water.
10. Cat Litter- Some brands of cat litter claim to be flushable; however, most toilets don’t use enough water to move the litter along properly in your pipes. Even if the brand claims it’s flushable, don’t flush cat litter down the toilet. All it does is add more things to the water that make it harder to purify. Cat waste from the litter box should also not be flushed because the litter dehydrates the waste, and toilets are meant to flush water-soluble waste.
11. Hair – Like dental floss, hair can form a sort of net when you, in addition, hair never dissolves, so it creates more risk for clogging your system.
12. Gum – Flushing gum is a big mistake, as it is sticky and insoluble. Being sticky leads to an increased risk of clogging your pipes. It is also insoluble and never disintegrates, causing potential build up in your system.
13. Cooking Grease – when grease cools, it thickens, which makes it thicker and leads to the risk of clogging your pipes.
14. Dead fish and food – While it is biodegradable and will break down eventually, it has not been digested. The particles carried away could be heavier than the water load can push through the system, and these clogged materials produce gas and additional chemicals that will put your system at risk.
16. Bleach – this might come as a big surprise as you have probably used it to clean for a long time. Bleach is way too harsh of a chemical for your toilet and septic system. Certain chemicals can inhibit septic tank processes. Rather than focusing on cleaning stains with bleach, you may want to consider using vinegar instead or other specially made biodegradable products for your cleaning endeavours.
As industry experts with over 25 years of experience Bosman Plumbing will be able to assist with all your clogs and sanitation needs.
OPEN 24HRS a day for your plumbing emergency!
Tel: 021 705 3969
083 658 1402
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