You Already Know What Not to Flush Down Toilets, But Do You Know Why? [infographic]

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toiletsIt could be said that the advent of the toilet has positively impacted more lives than any of history’s other inventions – more than vaccinations and seat belts. We often take our toilets for granted and don’t care for them properly. You already know what not to put in yours, but do you know why? If not, we’re about to tell you.

  • Bathroom wipes – Marketers of these products claim they can be flushed like toilet paper, but the truth is, they can actually create backups and clogs in sewer systems.
  • Medications and Pills – These contaminate groundwater supplies, destroy good bacteria and have awful effects of wildlife downstream.
  • Swabs and cotton balls – Just because they’re made of cotton doesn’t mean they won’t bunch together and cause a massive blockage in your sewer.
  • Paper towels – They are not made to break down in water like toilet paper.
  • Cigarette butts – They release toxic chemicals in the water supply.
  • Fat, oil and grease – Never dump these down toilets or in drains. When they are hot, they seem like liquid, but as soon as they hit the drain, they cool down and congeal to become pipe-clogging monsters.
  • Dental floss – This is not biodegradable! If flushed, it wraps itself around other objects in the pipeline, causing a tangled mess.
  • Disposable diapers – Diapers are made from toxic plastic that’s designed to expand when coming into contact with water.
  • Cat litter – It’s made of sand and clay, which is not a good combination to flush down toilets!

You Already Know What Not to Flush Down Toilets, But Do You Know Why?

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