What not to flush down the toilet
This is not an exhaustive list of things that you should not flush down the toilet, but a small list of things that people flush, and should not.
We know this because we have had to clear toilets, sewer lines and buchans that contain these wonderful items.
Sanitary items - tampons especially have a little rat tail that gets caught on jagged surfaces. Then other items cling to it. This becomes some form of ‘tampon king which will quickly and easily block your sewer line’ (see rat king)
Baby wipes (even flushable ones) - It’s convenient to flush these items. We understand. Unfortunately, they do not break down like toilet paper does, which means that they can ball and start forming a blockage.
Dental floss - Much like the tampon king, the dental floss string can catch and become part of the sewer system. Much like a jellyfish, the floss tendrils catch its sustenance, which becomes a blockage.
Paper towels - These, much like baby wipes, do not have the correct properties for flushing. They often remain together, whereas toilet paper breaks up easily
Cotton products, like pads, balls and Q-tips - Q-tips are the worst as they can get stuck and form a manmade twig to catch all and sundry. The other issue with cotton is that it does not break down, so once you get one pad caught, it is easier for the next pad to catch.
Other thoughts
Often blockages come from too much paper, or a flush that has insufficient water.
If you feel like you are piling paper on top of paper in your ablutions, maybe consider a mercy flush to give the system a chance of swallowing what you have to give it.
If you feel your flush is a little weak, get in touch with us, and we may be able to increase your flush volume.
Another way to reduce paper usage is a bidet seat or sprayer. If you would like to have one installed, please give us a call for a quote.