What not to flush down the toilet
If you have a home sewage pump and waste water system, you have to be even more cautious about what you flush than your friends on mains. Here’s how to avoid getting yourself in the poo with a comprehensive list of what not to flush down the loo.
Sewage pumps can stop working if the wrong materials get caught between the pump housing and the impeller. Fibrous or solid items either wind around the impeller or jam in-between parts to stop the sewage pump and cause a fuse to blow.
The do’s and don’ts when it comes to what to put down your toilet are very simple – don’t flush anything other than toilet paper – that means no sanitary products, no baby wipes and no flushable toilet wipes.
If you have a lot of guests to your home, then be mindful of informing them. No, it’s not always a pleasant topic, but to ensure your sewage pump and systems remains in fit condition, you’ll need to have the conversation.
Human hair can be a major cause of congestion in a waste water system so if you are a long-haired household, removing any excess hair from the bottom of the shower before it goes down the drain is really important.
You may be surprised to hear that excessive bath and shower products can also cause problems by creating a fatty build up in the system and a layer of crust/residue can accumulate and stop the tank float from working properly. The same applies for tipping fats and oils down your kitchen sink.
If you have small children, never underestimate their ability to flush all manner of things down the toilet – toys, pens, facecloths and other plastic or metal objects have all been known to cause problems.
NO
Sanitary products
Condoms
Wet wipes or flushable toilet wipes
Dental floss, cotton buds or cotton balls
Fat or cooking oil
Excessive bath/shower products
Excessive hair
YES
Toilet paper