You Should Stop Flush Feminine Products: The Dangers of Flushing Them Down the Toilet
There is a lot of confusion about what exactly you can flush down the toilet. Take feminine products for example: some products say on the packaging that they can be flushed down the toilet, but trust us, it's best not to flush them down the toilet. Let's take a closer look and find out why.
The Dangers of Flushing Feminine Products
Clogs and Blockages
When you flush feminine products like pads, tampons, and wipes down the toilet, they don't dissolve like toilet paper does. Instead, they can get stuck in your pipes or the sewer system, causing clogs and blockages. This can lead to backups, flooding, and even damage to your plumbing.
What Happens When a Toilet Gets Clogged?
A clogged toilet can be a major inconvenience and cause a lot of stress. Here are some common problems that can occur when a toilet gets clogged:
- The toilet won't flush properly
- The water level in the toilet bowl rises and may overflow
- The toilet may make strange noises or gurgle
- The bathroom may start to smell bad
What Causes Clogs in Toilets?
There are several things that can cause clogs in toilets, including:
- Too much toilet paper
- Flushing non-degradable items like feminine products, baby wipes, and dental floss
- Tree roots growing into the sewer pipes
- Old or corroded pipes
What Can You Do to Prevent Toilet Clogs?
To prevent toilet clogs, you should:
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet
- Throw feminine products, wipes, and other non-degradable items in the trash
- Use a plunger or plumbing snake to unclog the toilet
- Call a plumber if the problem persists
Environmental Damage
Flushing feminine products down the toilet can also be very harmful to the environment. When they get stuck in the pipes, they can cause sewage backups and spills, which can contaminate waterways and harm wildlife. Additionally, the plastic and other non-degradable materials in these products can take hundreds of years to break down in landfills, adding to the already massive amounts of waste that humans produce.
What Happens When Sewage Backs
Sewage backups can have serious consequences for both humans and the environment. Here are some of the potential effects:
- Contamination of waterways and beaches
- Spread of diseases like hepatitis A, E. coli, and cholera
- Damage to aquatic ecosystems and wildlife
- Higher costs for sewage treatment and cleanup
What Can You Do to Help the Environment?
To reduce the environmental impact of feminine products, you should:
- Choose eco-friendly alternatives like reusable pads or menstrual cups
- Dispose of non-degradable products like wipes and applicators in the trash, not the toilet
- Avoid flushing any non-human waste down the toilet
- Encourage others to do the same
Feminine Products: Made to Absorb Moisture
Pads and tampons are designed to absorb moisture. If you flush them, they will eventually absorb water and grow larger. In fact, tampons can grow up to about 10 times their original size as they absorb water. Soaked pads and tampons can clog your toilet and cause it to overflow. Even if they manage to get past the toilet, they can cause a clog elsewhere in the plumbing system.
If you have an older sewage system, tree roots can enter your sewer pipes. Rinsed tampons and sanitary napkins can get stuck in the roots, causing clogs in your pipes and leading to drain clogging. Raw!
Feminine Products: Not Biodegradable
A prevailing myth is that tampons are biodegradable and simply disintegrate after rinsing. It is wrong; Unlike toilet paper, which falls apart, the cotton and/or rayon used in tampons does not degrade and instead stays as solid pieces. Flush several tampons down the toilet and you could have a big clogged drain on your hands!
Sewage Treatment Plant Problems
When pads or tampons make their way past your water and sewage lines, there's always the problem of the sewage treatment plant, where they can interfere with the pumping station or clog filters. In general, wastewater treatment plants break down the elements contained in wastewater with strong chemicals; These chemicals can have adverse effects on plant personnel. Treating public wastewater costs billions of dollars each year; These costs could be partially reduced by not flushing feminine products down the toilet.
Septic Tank Issues
If you have a septic tank, female products can sit and take up space in the tank, causing the liquid level to rise. Human waste can block the distribution pipes and you could experience sewage backlog. If you see sewage or sewage collecting around the tank, you have a clog somewhere in your system!
What About “Flushable” Personal Wipes?
We've seen them in the store - those personal wipes alongside toilet paper that promise to make you even cleaner. They should also be flushable, but it's best not to risk it. While they don't absorb water like sanitary napkins and tampons, they don't break down like toilet paper and clogs in your pipes are possible, especially if you use them frequently.
What to Do Instead of Flushing Feminine Products
Now that you know why you shouldn't flush feminine products down the toilet, you may be wondering what to do instead. Here are some alternative options:
Use the Trash Can
The easiest and most effective solution is to simply throw your used feminine products in the trash. This includes pads, tampons, wipes, and applicators. If you're concerned about odor or bacteria, you can wrap them in toilet paper or put them in a small plastic bag before throwing them away.
Try Reusable Options
If you're looking for a more eco-friendly option, you can try reusable pads or menstrual cups. These products are made from washable materials and can be used for several years, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective choice.
Use a Feminine Product Disposal System
If you're in a public restroom or don't have access to a trash can, look for a feminine product disposal system. These are small containers that are specifically designed for disposing of feminine products. They're usually located next to the toilet or inside the stall, and you can simply toss your used products inside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I flush tampons if they say "flushable" on the package?
A: No, you should never flush tampons, even if they claim to be "flushable." These products don't dissolve like toilet paper and can still cause clogs and blockages in your pipes.
Q: What if I don't have access to a trash can or feminine product disposal system?
A: If you're in a situation where you don't have access to a trash can or disposal system, you can bring a small plastic bag with you to store your used products until you can dispose of them properly.
Q: Why do some people still flush feminine products?
A: Some people may flush feminine products out of convenience or lack of knowledge about the potential consequences. It's important to spread awareness about the impact of flushing these products and encourage responsible disposal methods.
In conclusion, you should stop flushing feminine products down the toilet to protect the environment and prevent sewage backups. Instead, you can use a trash can, try reusable options, or look for a feminine product disposal system. By taking these small steps, you can make a big difference in reducing the negative impact of feminine products on our planet. Remember, what you do matters, so do the right thing and dispose of feminine products responsibly.
What Can I Flush?
Here's what you can flush down your toilet: human waste and toilet paper. That's it. If you flush anything else — including feminine products or so-called “flushable” wipes — you risk clogging your plumbing system. Avoid plumbing problems and throw these products in the trash!
If you're experiencing a sewer jam or overflowing toilet due to clogs from feminine products or other items, give us a call - we're drain cleaning services in Tyler & Jacksonville, TX and can fix the problem quickly. We can also perform other plumbing repairs and provide preventative maintenance to prevent drain clogging.
