A common misconception that many people have is that toilet paper may cause clogged pipes. However, that might not necessarily be the case. Plumbing systems are designed to account for such occurrences, but they can only handle so much before problems can arise.
Read on further if you’d like more definitive information.
Can Toilet Paper Clog Your Plumbing System?
As it turns out, this is a gray area in the world of plumbing. The amount of toilet paper you flush down the toilet is what will decide whether it clogs up or not. A few squares might not pose much of a problem, but half a roll can lead to serious consequences. The blockage can cause your toilet to malfunction, and the problem can eventually make its way into the septic tank and cause further disaster.
The Rise of Toilet Paper Alternatives
The notion that a small amount of toilet paper can clog up your system has led to the introduction of toilet paper alternatives that are said to be more “plumbing-friendly.”
A good example are flushable wipes. Flushable wipes are ideal in certain scenarios, such as when you’re potty training your child or when you’re outdoors with no access to a normal toilet. While this product can be a blessing in these situations, flushable wipes are not actually good for your plumbing system.
Flushable wipes take longer to break down in your plumbing system than regular toilet paper. Using them too often can put your toilet at a higher risk of clogs and other plumbing system issues, so you might want to reconsider using them if you want to avoid future problems.
How To Prevent Toilet Clogs
Preventing a toilet disaster is always better than fixing one. To help with this, we’ve outlined a few common items that you should never flush down your toilet. These would include the following:
- Napkins
- Wipes
- Facial tissues
- Dental floss
- Fats, oils, and greases
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds
- Hair
- Sanitary napkins and tampons
- Condoms
- Cotton balls
- Medicines
- Plastic
- Diapers
Save yourself the trouble of dealing with toilet clogs and make sure that these items don’t go down your toilet. You can also go the opposite approach and only flush things that your toilet is designed to handle, such as human waste, water, and a minimal amount of toilet paper.
You should also consider reducing how much toilet paper you use, especially if you have access to water. Have a bidet fitted in your bathroom for ease of washing and reduce the amount of toilet paper you consume.
Conclusion
A clogged plumbing system is a huge problem and can lead to costly repairs. One of the most common plumbing issues starts in your toilet, therefore, be more mindful of what you flush down. Should you need help with your plumbing, remember to call a plumbing service so that your problem is quickly resolved.
We aim to help you with your plumbing needs – check out our plumbing tips & tricks, and also our list of the plumbing services in Charlotte NC to find the best plumber in your area today!
