mostly The toilet becomes the shortcut to disposing of some wasteBecause it makes it disappear quickly and easily, or at certain times it is closer to the trash. However, this common gesture can have an impact not only on your pipes, but also on the environment. This can be practiced too This entails economic expenses That can reach exceed 100 euros.
The main result of flushing more than just toilet paper is a clogged toilet or clogged pipes. Just as toilet paper is ready to be disposed of, other waste is made of materials that easily clog. Through sewage networks. Naturally, all of this ends up in wastewater, and the fact that it does not decompose puts a strain on the purification processes. So, before you drain next time, make sure you don’t flush any of these 10 items.
10 things you should never flush down the toilet
Be careful if you flush any of these items down the toilet, as this will have consequences not only for your pipes but for the environment as well.
1. Wet wipes and kitchen paper
Although many people now realize that some wet wipes have been reinvented, they are still one of the waste items that does the most damage to pipes and the environment. It is important to highlight this It does not crumble like toilet paper. Moreover, when they are used, not only one unit is used, but at least a pair, so they end up entangled and transported through the sewer network, collecting other waste and generating major traffic jams. According to OCU, disposing of wet wipes costs us $1 billion a year.
The same thing happens with Kitchen paperAlthough they do not resemble wet wipes, their composition is similar It is more resistant. Therefore, when it comes into contact with water, it does not disintegrate as easily as toilet paper, which increases the risk of clogged pipes.
2. Tampons, sanitary pads and other hygiene products
Like wet wipes, so do feminine hygiene products Designed to absorb liquids and stretch, not disintegrate. The same goes for ear swabs or makeup remover cotton swabs. Specifically, these products, typically used in the bathroom, are the ones that end up in your toilet water out of laziness, but are guaranteed to cause a clog whether in your home or building.
3. Condoms
It may seem strange or even crazy to many, but the truth is that there are people who use the toilet to dispose of condoms. Big mistake considering they are made of latex and are designed not to break.. According to the Aquae Foundation, this water often appears floating in city sewers.
4. Cigarette butts
It’s one of the classics. Despite their small size, they are very difficult items to disintegrate. First, they float, so allowing them to escape using only a carrier is difficult. Second, Its material is cellulose acetate, and it does not decompose easily And third, The chemicals in cigarettes end up in bathrooms Which goes to the purifier.
5. Cooking oil
This is one of the biggest mistakes. Even today there are people who do not know how to dispose of used cooking oil, so they end up doing it through the sink or toilet. When oil cools, it solidifies, so instead of throwing it away, He ends up stuck in the pipeswhich in turn traps other debris until the pipe narrows and causes collapse.
But, in addition, it is one of the largest pollutants, because it is just… One liter of oil can contaminate up to 1000 liters of water Purifiers have great difficulty in separating them.
6. Bleach and ammonia
These two elements should be marked with an asterisk. It is true that these two products It is most commonly used to disinfect the toilet, But in large quantities it can cause problems. In fact, these are chemical liquids It must be disposed of in a clean place.But never through the toilet, because they are highly contaminated when they reach the purification plants.
7. Paints and solvents
The same applies to paints and solvents. The chemicals it contains should never go into the toilet.Because it is impossible to filter it in many treatment plants. They should be disposed of in a clean place and always in their usual containers.
8. Medicines
Medications, especially those that dissolve, may raise some concerns, but the consequences of flushing them down the toilet can be serious. these It is waste that is considered hazardous Therefore, be especially vigilant in getting rid of expired medications, which… What should be done is to recycle them at SIGRE points in pharmacies in Spain.
9. Bandages and dental floss
They may seem harmless because of their size, but they are a big problem. The strips are made of plastic and the dental floss is very resistant. None of it is biodegradable. They get tangled easily with hair and other debris, and are the perfect ingredients for making jam.
10. Food leftovers
Who among us has not flushed spoiled lentils down the toilet? The truth is that it is a very common practice in homes, but it is just as wrong as the previous practices. Waste can also clog pipes, but it can also affect the septic system, because food scraps attract pests such as mice. It’s best to use what has always been designated for organic waste: the trash.
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