Knowing what you can safely flush down the toilet is essential to keeping your home’s plumbing in good order and avoiding homeowner disasters such as costly clogs, environmental issues and unpleasant smells. Let’s break down what’s flushable and what isn’t.
Flushable:
1. Wastewater: Your water from daily activities, like washing dishes and hands.
2. Toilet Paper: Designed to dissolve in water, toilet paper is safe for flushing.
3. Excrement: Human waste can be flushed as it breaks down.
Not flushable:
1. Food Waste: Cooking oils, fats or leftover scraps can cause a blockage.
2. Sanitary Products: Tampons, pads and applicators are designed for the bin, not the loo.
3. Nappies: Nappies belong in the bin. Never attempt to flush them!
4. Fat, Oil, Grease (FOG): Keep FOG away from your drains as it can lead to clogs and fatbergs.
5. Plastic Bags: Dispose of these in the bin.
6. Condoms: These belong in the bin, not down the drain.
7. Baby Wipes: Even if labelled as “flushable,” baby wipes are a no-no.
8. Cleaning Wipes: Cleaning wipes are for the bin, even if the label says otherwise.
9. Plasters: Always bin these, don’t flush.
10. Razor Blades: Dispose of razors safely in a sharps container.
11. Kitchen Roll: Unfortunately, it doesn’t break down like toilet paper.
12. Cotton Buds: These don’t disintegrate and can cause blockages.
13. Medicines and Syringes: Take these items to your pharmacy for safe disposal.
Take care with chemicals when cleaning too. Although most household cleaners can be rinsed down the drain, make sure to check the label, avoid mixing chemicals when cleaning the loo and never put paint or white spirit down your drains. Learn how to dispose of white spirit safely here.
If you need a drain repair, experts such as wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/drain-repairs-solihull offer a range of solutions including sewer pipe lining Solihull.
Remember, what goes down your drains has an impact on your plumbing. And flushing inappropriate items also affects the public sewerage system, causing damage to sewers and the environment. Sticking to our tips will protect your plumbing and save a costly call-out.