As we face an unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic, we have established new priorities in our day to day lives.
I know I can speak for many when I say…I had no idea that toilet paper would be so high on the priority list of human necessities. In fact, shelf after shelf in local markets are completely barren, and we are left staring at the sad and empty aisles that we once took for granted when making our weekly shopping trips.
We run to the local merchants desperately searching for the coveted 2 ply ultra soft, as if we’re filling our baskets with rubies and diamonds!
The number of rolls and quality of product have surpassed the purchasing of choice cuts of meat, fine bottles of wine and yes, even the kitchen staples.
So, what are we to do when our paper products are no longer available to us? Should we consider paper towels or tissues? NOOOO!
For those who are unaware, as I was, tissues cannot be used as a substitute for the 2 ply friend we have come to appreciate now more than ever!
In fact, tissues used for the, shall we say, daily tasks are a sure fire way to create plumbing issues in your home.
Alas, my 18 boxes of tissues housed in beautiful decorative boxes will never see the swirling waters that I planned would be their destiny!
Because the tissue material is resistant to breaking down, it gets stuck on bends or other debris in the drain pipe, contributing to stoppage. In fact, flushed tissues are a common source of problems for municipal sewer systems. Flushing tissues and other non-toilet-paper materials down a toilet can clog the toilet itself, but more commonly it creates significant clogging in the home's main drain pipe leading to the sewer or septic system.
Valued for their soft texture, tissues are at hand's reach in most homes. They are often used interchangeably with toilet paper during cold and allergy season, to catch sneezes and dry runny noses, but they're not good for the potty. They should never be flushed down the toilet.
For homes with septic service, tissues can create a need for more frequent pumping of the tank.
Other products that should never be flushed down the toilet include:
• Paper towels
• Pet litter
• Sanitary products
• Disposable gloves and other latex products
• Drain cleaner and other harsh chemicals
Trash containers are the best way to dispose of these commonly used products.
In summary, by flushing TP only, you’ll avoid flushing money on plumbing repairs!