Just because something can be flushed down the toilet does not mean it should be. Only flush the 3 P's: pee, poo, and paper (toilet paper). Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down in the water.
There are only three things you can safely flush down the toilet into the sewer system —pee, poo and (toilet) paper. Just remember those three as the three Ps that you can flush. And don't forget, "flushable" wipes are not really flushable.
So remember the only things that can be flushed are the three Ps. Pee, poo and toilet paper.
Cotton Balls, Rounds, or Swabs
Although cotton balls, rounds, and swabs might seem small enough to flush, they can cause big problems inside your pipes.
While you might not see the same impact as you might with, say, flushable wipes, you should still avoid flushing nail clippings down the toilet. This organic material doesn't break down in water.
There is one main, unbreakable rule regarding the disposal of sanitary pads. And here it is. Never ever flush a sanitary pad. Always bin it.
No, that would not be safe. If you want to use something other than regular tissue (like paper towels), you would need to dispose of it in the wastebasket. Toilet paper is made to fall apart quickly when it gets wet and doesn't contain any chemicals that would harm a septic system or a city's sewer treatment.
In contrast to toilet paper, things like tissues and kitchen towels are designed to retain their strength as much as possible, especially when wet. Flush a tissue or paper towel down the toilet and it won't break down, at least not readily, so it's a prime candidate to clog your pipes.
Use Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Hot Water
Just like with clogged kitchen sinks, these three products can work wonders when dealing with clogged toilets.
If you have to flush the toilet twice, there most likely isn't enough water flowing into the bowl. This means the siphoning effect is too weak to clear everything out of the toilet in one go.
Prophylactics, or condoms, are another common item many people flush down their toilets because it seems like the most convenient option for disposal.
The only thing you should ever flush down a toilet is human waste (urine and feces) and toilet paper. Here's what you shouldn't flush: Bags / wrappings and cardboard. Band-aids and bandage wrappers.
Do not flush paper towels, wipes or facial tissues—they clog your pipes and our pumps!
Be aware of wet wipes are marketed as flushable and septic-safe. Even though these wipes do eventually break down, they take a longer amount of time to do so compared to toilet paper. Since the breakdown of wet wipes isn't as rapid, clogged pipes and blockages occur more frequently.
Plumbers advise 1-ply toilet paper for use in the bathroom as it is the best toilet paper to prevent clogs. However, with the Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Supreme tissue paper, you can get a soft 3-ply toilet paper that will feel fantastic on your skin but will not clog your pipes.
Here's what to do: First, try using a plunger to see if gentle pressure is enough to bring the object into view. Sometimes, a larger object won't make it all the way down the waste pipe; using a plunger may break it free and bring it to the surface. If a plunger didn't work, you could try using a bent wire hanger.
Cotton balls: Just like feminine products – many of which use cotton – these products should never be flushed down the toilet.
Advice on how to dispose:
Seal nappies, sanitary items and incontinence products in plastic bags before placing in red garbage bin. Scented nappy disposal bags are available from supermarkets and chemists. Newspaper may also be used as a second layer. Store your red garbage bin in the shade.
First, don't panic. It's possible that the paper towel will pass through your plumbing system without causing any issues. However, if you notice any signs of a blockage, such as slow draining water or gurgling sounds, it's important to call a professional plumber right away.
Many women dispose of their tampons by wrapping them in toilet paper and throwing them in the residual waste. Many public toilets have hygiene waste bins in which you should dispose of your hygiene products. You should not flush them down the toilet as this can cause clogging.
Having a foot pedal attached to the toilet bowl for flushing is a great way to overcome the challenges with a flush handle, provide a clearner, germ-free experience. This would be especially usefulf for public toilets where the bowl and the rest of the toilet surfaces come in contact with multiple people.
The best time to trim your nails is immediately after taking a bath or shower. However, if that isn't possible, soak your nails in lukewarm water for a few minutes to soften them. Gather the proper tools. Use a nail clipper or nail scissors for your fingernails and a toenail clipper for your toenails.