Most people don’t really think about their toilet or their plumbing system until something goes wrong. In fact, for many people, problems usually only occur when something has been flushed down the toilet that shouldn’t have been.
The average person spends approximately three months of their life sitting on the toilet, and they flush the toilet 2500 times a year. Problems such as blocked drains can not only be costly but also pose significant threats to aquatic life and public health.
We take a look at common household items that do more harm than good when flushed away.
Cat litter
Even if your cat litter says that it is flushable, don’t do it. Cat litter doesn’t dissolve easily. Instead, it absorbs water and expands, causing blockages in pipes and sewage systems.
Cat faeces may contain parasites and pathogens that can contaminate water sources, posing a risk to human health. The best way to get rid of cat litter is to put it in a household bin.
Disposable nappies
Attempting to flush a nappy causes serious problems within the pipe network. Made from absorbent materials, nappies do not disintegrate quickly. Instead, they accumulate and form massive blockages in sewage pipes. Professional help is usually required to remove a blockage caused by a nappy.
Bleach
Most households do not have to worry about bleach. When used correctly and diluted, bleach is a great cleaning product, with no adverse effects. However, if you try to pour bleach down the drain in large quantities on a regular basis, then this powerful chemical can cause a lot of damage.
Damaged pipes can be fixed by drain lining. Drain lining in Gloucester is when a flexible material is inserted into damaged pipes, repairing them without expensive excavation. If you require drain lining Gloucester, it is advisable to contact a reputable company who can advise on the best course of action.
Dental floss
Dental floss might seem harmless, but it doesn’t dissolve and is not biodegradable. It can wrap around other items, binding them together until a blockage is formed.
