Flushing things down the drain or toilet might seem like an easy way to dispose of unwanted items, but it can lead to serious plumbing issues and environmental damage. While modern plumbing systems are robust, they are not designed to handle everything people throw at them – that includes items claimed to be “flushable”. Here are some of the most common items that people flush down their drains – that they definitely shouldn’t.
1. Wet Wipes and Baby Wipes
Wet wipes, including those labeled as “flushable,” are one of the leading causes of sewer blockages. Unlike toilet paper, wet wipes do not disintegrate quickly in water. Instead, they can clump together and form massive blockages, commonly referred to as “fatbergs,” in sewer systems. Even wipes labeled as biodegradable can take a long time to break down, causing immediate problems before they degrade.
2. Grease, Fats, and Oils
Pouring grease, fats, or oils down the kitchen sink is a common but harmful practice. When hot, these substances are in liquid form, but they solidify as they cool, causing blockages in the pipes. Over time, these blockages can lead to slow drains, backups, and even complete pipe clogs. It’s better to let these substances cool and solidify, then dispose of them in the trash.
3. Coffee Grounds
While coffee grounds seem harmless, they do not break down easily in water. When poured down the drain, they can accumulate and cause clogs. Instead of disposing of coffee grounds in the sink, consider adding them to your compost pile or disposing of them in the trash.
4. Eggshells
Eggshells are another kitchen waste item that can cause plumbing issues. The small, sharp pieces can combine with other debris in the pipes, contributing to clogs. Additionally, the membrane inside the shell can wrap around other items in the drain, making blockages worse. It’s best to dispose of eggshells in the compost or trash.
5. Paper Towels and Tissues
Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to break down quickly in water, paper towels and tissues are more durable and will cause blockages when flushed. These items should always be disposed of in the trash. No exceptions.
6. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene products are not designed to be flushed. These items expand in water and can cause significant blockages in pipes and sewer systems. They should always be wrapped and disposed of in the trash.
7. Cotton Swabs and Cotton Balls
Cotton swabs and balls are often flushed down the toilet, but they do not break down in water. They can easily get stuck in pipes and contribute to clogs. These items should be thrown in the trash instead.
8. Dental Floss
Dental floss is non-biodegradable and can cause serious issues when flushed. It can wrap around other debris in the pipes, creating large clumps that can lead to blockages. Always dispose of dental floss in the trash.
9. Medication
Flushing medication down the toilet is harmful to the environment. Sewage treatment plants are not designed to remove pharmaceuticals from water, leading to contamination of water sources and potential harm to aquatic life. Instead, take advantage of drug take-back programs or dispose of medications at designated drop-off locations.
10. Hair
Hair is notorious for causing clogs in bathroom drains. It easily tangles and accumulates in pipes, leading to blockages that can be difficult to clear. Using a drain cover can help catch hair before it goes down the drain, and collected hair should be thrown in the trash.
11. Food Scraps
While some food waste may seem harmless, many food items can cause clogs in drains. Pasta, rice, and bread can expand in water and stick to the insides of pipes. Additionally, fibrous foods like celery and potato peels can tangle and create blockages. It’s best to dispose of food scraps in a compost bin or trash can.
12. Condoms
Condoms are made from materials that do not break down in water. Flushing them can lead to blockages and environmental harm, as they can end up in waterways and harm wildlife. Dispose of condoms in the trash.
13. Band-Aids
Band-Aids and other adhesive bandages are made from materials that do not dissolve in water. They can easily cause blockages in pipes and should be disposed of in the trash.
14. Paint
Pouring paint down the drain can be harmful to both your plumbing and the environment. Paint can coat the insides of pipes, leading to blockages, and can also contaminate water sources. Always dispose of paint according to local hazardous waste disposal guidelines.
15. Cleaning Products
Certain cleaning products, especially those containing harsh chemicals, should not be poured down the drain. These chemicals can damage pipes and are harmful to the environment. Instead, use eco-friendly cleaning products and dispose of chemical cleaners according to local guidelines.
The Impact of Improper Disposal
Improper disposal of the above-mentioned items can have significant consequences. Blockages in home plumbing can lead to costly repairs and inconvenience. On a larger scale, these items can cause major issues in municipal sewer systems, leading to backups, overflows, and increased maintenance costs. Additionally, the environmental impact of flushing non-biodegradable and harmful substances can be severe, affecting water quality and aquatic life.
Best Practices for Disposal
To avoid plumbing issues and environmental harm, it’s important to follow these best practices for disposal:
- Use the Trash Bin: Dispose of non-biodegradable items, food scraps, and other waste in the trash rather than down the drain.
- Composting: Composting is a great way to dispose of organic kitchen waste like coffee grounds, eggshells, and food scraps.
- Hazardous Waste Disposal: Follow local guidelines for disposing of hazardous materials like paint and chemicals.
- Drug Take-Back Programs: Use designated drop-off locations for disposing of medications.
- Preventive Measures: Use drain covers to catch hair and food particles before they go down the drain.
By being mindful of what goes down your drains, you can help protect your plumbing system, reduce maintenance costs, and contribute to a healthier environment.