Can You Flush Tissues?
I have confession to make. I have a very bad habit, emphasis on very considering I am a plumber’s wife.
It’s something I have always done and I am consciously trying to break this habit (it takes 66 days to do so apparently…).
While I would NEVER dare to flush wet wipes, I’ve always been a little lazy with how I dispose of my tissues. If I’m walking past a toilet and I’ve just had a hayfever attack, I often slam dunk my used and abused Kleenex into the toilet bowl.
I do know you shouldn’t flush tissues, but I thought I’d do a bit of research into WHY you shouldn’t flush tissues.
What’s the difference between tissues and toilet paper?
Unlike toilet paper which is designed to break down quickly when wet, tissues are engineered for durability. While this durability makes them excellent for wiping and blowing your nose, it poses a challenge when it comes to flushing.
In the realm of tissue products, toilet paper stands out for its unique ability to dissolve quickly in water, a process that typically takes one to four minutes. Engineered with this feature, toilet paper is designed to navigate pipes, septic systems, and municipal water treatment plants efficiently.
On the other hand, facial tissue, commonly fortified with a chemical binder for shape retention, poses a different challenge. With its wet strength, facial tissue remains intact during nose-blowing but becomes a potential issue for plumbing and wastewater treatment. Unlike toilet paper, facial tissues should not be flushed down toilets due to their slower dissolving rate, posing a risk of causing complications in pipes, septic systems, and water treatment plants.
How long does it take for facial tissues to decompose in water? Between months and years!
The trouble doesn’t end with facial tissues; items ranging from flushable wipes to dental floss have the potential to create costly problems in household pipes and water treatment facilities if disposed of through the drain.
How does flushing tissues affect my home plumbing?
There are a number of reasons flushing tissues can cost you big time:
- Durability Factor:
- Potential Blockages:
- Flushing tissues can contribute to blockages in your pipes and sewer system. Over time, these accumulations can lead to slow drainage, backups, and costly plumbing repairs.
- Environmental Impact:
- From an environmental perspective, flushing non-biodegradable items like tissues can have adverse effects. Unlike toilet paper, tissues may not break down as easily and can contribute to pollution.
One of the common misconceptions is that if an item is disposable, it must be flushable. However, the reality is quite the opposite. Tissues, and wipes, even those labelled as “flushable,” do not disintegrate as swiftly as toilet paper. They can linger in your pipes, contributing to clogs and potential plumbing nightmares. We previously talked about how bad flushable wipes are in this blog here.
What items should you never flush down the toilet
The following items should never be flushed down the toilet:
- Paper Towels
- Nappies
- Dental Floss
- Baby Wipes
- ‘Flushable Wipes’
- Tissue Paper
- Cotton buds
- Cat Litter
- Cleaning Wipes
- Condoms
- Cigarette/Cigar Butts
- Feminine Hygiene Products such as tampons
- Medications
- Facial tissues
How should I dispose of tissues?
- Rubbish Bin:
- The simplest and most effective way to dispose of tissues is to toss them in the rubbish bin. This ensures they end up in the proper waste disposal system without risking plumbing issues.
- Compost Bin (For Biodegradable Tissues):
- If you’re using biodegradable tissues, consider composting them. However, always check the packaging to confirm that they are suitable for composting.
Don’t Flush Tissues Down the Toilet
While the convenience of flushing tissues may be tempting, it’s a practice best avoided. Save yourself from potential plumbing headaches by opting for proper disposal methods. The next time you wonder, “Can you flush tissues?” remember that it’s safer for your pipes and the environment to stick with the rubbish bin.
For more insights into responsible plumbing practices and tips, explore our previous blog on Flushed Away: The Flushable Wipes Conspiracy. Call McCarthy Plumbing Group any time you require a plumber to investigate a blocked toilet on 03 9931 0905.
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