Flush-able alternatives

Recently homeowners all over the country found themselves in a situation of being without toilet paper. It’s been great for the plumbing industry (because of all the clogged drains) but bad for Kansas City homeowners (for the same reason).

The lack of toilet paper sent people on a quest to find alternatives. Two months after things went crazy, due to Covid 19, toilet paper is back on the shelves. But are there alternatives safe for plumbing systems?

The simple answer is – NO. There is really no good alternative to toilet paper. Even though you have heard and read that flush-able wipes are a good option, it’s just simply not true. So-called flush-able wipes can clog and damage your plumbing system with prolonged use.

So maybe it does not hurt to stock up over time, within reason. But please head the call from your local grocer when they say “purchase like you usually do.” Our economy is based on market mechanisms that are constantly evaluating what is needed on the shelves. Over-buying and hoarding hurt everyone.

What Not to Flush Down Your Toilet

While it’s tempting to flush napkins, tissues or wipes rather than toss them in the trash bin, it’s potentially hazardous to your sewer line. Here is a list of items that should not be given the opportunity to enter your plumbing system. They could lead to expensive repairs down the road.

These items include:

  1. Facial tissues
  2. Baby & moist wipes
  3. Disinfectant wipes
  4. Toilet bowl scrub pads
  5. Napkins (paper or cloth)
  6. Paper towels
  7. Sanitary napkins
  8. Cotton balls or Q-tips
  9. Diapers (cloth, disposable, and those deemed “flush-able”)

ointment! We’ll get things flowing smoothly again in no time!