What not to flush down your toilet

Why Only Use Toilet Paper in Your Drains:  

Most people that have used a public toilet would have seen a sign that says: “toilet paper only please”. While this seems like practical sense, it is still confusing, mainly because we think some products are able to be flushed, including tampon cores, wipes, and paper towel. So, who do we believe?

If you’ve ever owned a house, you have probably had the annoying experience of a sewer drain blockage. It may have begun with a toilet gurgling or may have just started overflowing out of the backyard gully. You likely contacted a drain cleaning plumber and had them take care of the issue. The drain cleaning plumber will explain why a blocked drain has happened – tree root intrusion into the drainpipe, tampons, and dissolving wipes are the biggest culprits. If it says on a product package it is flushable, it still may not be the smartest thing to do.

Items that say they are flushable, but should not go into your sewer drains include baby wipes and paper hand towels. They made out of non-dissolvable paper, so they will not dissolve quickly. Instead, they are more likely to create a blockage.

If it can go in the rubbish bin, instead of the drain, it’s better to throw it away. These also include dental floss, cotton balls, cotton buds, medical swabs and similar items.

  The trees in your garden, or even in the property next door, can grow into the joints and cracks of earthenware drain pipes. These tree roots capture toilet paper, and whatever else goes down the Toilet. Anything that doesn’t break down runs the risk of being snagged and causing a drain blockage.

What to Do:

Whether it says flushable or not,  limit toilet waste to dissolvable toilet paper and human waste. Anything else will result in blocked drains. If you experience recurring drainage problems, ask us at King Plumbing for advice and help.

King Plumbing has been serving Hobart resident’s plumbing drain cleaning needs for over 30 years! Call today if we can help you with your sewer or plumbing needs at 0413-586-724.