Other than toilet paper, there isn’t much that’s particularly good for flushing down the toilet. Some things are more okay than others, but make sure you never flush these six items—it can cause big problems.
1. Snuff should not be flushed down the toilet
For many, it’s tempting to just flush the snus down the toilet, but that’s a really bad idea. All snus contains many different chemical substances, and some contain tobacco. These substances, when released into nature, can be harmful to both fish and other aquatic organisms. In addition to this, snus can also get stuck in the pipes and create blockages. Snuff belongs in the trash, not the toilet.
2. Wet wipes should not be flushed down the toilet
Despite being often marketed as flushable, wet wipes are one of the big culprits when it comes to drain blockages. Unlike toilet paper, they are not designed to break down quickly in water. The result? They clump together, get stuck in the pipes and create large blockages. So while it may be tempting to just throw them in the toilet, think again and use the trash instead.
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3. Do not flush grease and oil down the toilet
You should absolutely avoid flushing all types of oils and grease down the toilet. When the grease or oil reaches the cold pipes, it solidifies into a solid mass. This mass can quickly build up and cause serious blockages. And it’s not just your own drain that is at risk of damage – it can also create problems further down the system.
4. Cotton pads and menstrual pads should not be flushed down the toilet
You might think these little things do no harm, but they can cause big problems. They do not break down in water and therefore have a tendency to clump together in the drain. This in turn can cause clogs and blockages. So whether it’s menstrual pads or tampons, they belong in the bin – not the toilet.
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5. Do not flush medicines down the toilet
Do you have old medicine at home? Do not flush it down the toilet. Many medicines contain various chemical substances that can harm the environment. They can affect water quality and, like snuff, harm fish and other aquatic organisms. The correct way to dispose of old medicine is to hand it in at the pharmacy.
6. Plastic should not be flushed down the toilet
It may be obvious, but people still flush plastic down the toilet. Plastic is not biodegradable and when it ends up in water it can take hundreds of years to break down. It can also harm fish and other marine life if they accidentally swallow small pieces of plastic. Throw the plastic in the garbage or, even better, recycle it.
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