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Flushing toilet paper down the toilet is a question that often raises doubts. Most people think this is safe, but it really all depends on the sewage system and the quality of the paper itself.
Improper disposal of toilet paper can lead to serious clogs and plumbing problems.
Is it possible to flush toilet paper in the toilet — read on TSN.ua.
What toilet paper dissolves in the toilet
Toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly in water. This allows it to pass safely through plumbing systems. However, paper towels or other materials such as wet wipes do not dissolve as quickly. They can get stuck in pipes and cause serious blockages.
Toilet paper begins to decompose almost immediately after contact with water, while a paper towel remains intact. This confirms that flushing paper towels and other such materials down the toilet is a dangerous idea that can end up in plumbing problems.
Why blockages are dangerous for the sewage system
The main problem is clogging of the P-trap, where foreign objects can accumulate. If a blockage occurs at this stage, it can lead to a blockage of the entire system and require the intervention of a professional plumber. Even major repairs may be necessary if paper towels or wet wipes get into the main pipes.
Why in some systems, even toilet paper should not be flushed
Although toilet paper dissolves in water, not all sewage systems can handle its disposal. Some cities, as Michele Adgate of the New York Department of Environmental Protection explained, are spending millions of dollars to fix problems caused by wet wipes and other non-degradable items. This also applies to cases when people flush fat and oil down the toilet, which leads to the formation of "fat birds" - masses that block city sewage systems.
What can not be flushed down the toilet
Other than wet wipes and paper towels, the toilet is not designed to dispose of materials such as grease, oil, cotton pads, diapers, or other items. All of these things can cause blockages and significant repair costs.
With all these factors in mind, experts advise to avoid flushing any material other than toilet paper and to ensure proper use of the sewage system. This will help avoid problems with plumbing and expensive repairs.
