Have you ever wondered what happens to the things you flush down the toilet? You may have thought that the toilet can "swallow" everything, but the reality is quite different.
Toilets are an indispensable part of our everyday life, but we often forget that not everything we throw into them is also suitable for flushing.
You may think that certain things can simply disappear down the tubes, but this can lead to serious problems for your home and the environment. Improper waste management in the toilet can cause clogging of pipes, expensive repairs and even pollution of natural resources. Therefore, it is important to understand what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet.
A combination of principles Feng Shui, common sense and ecological guidelines help us avoid energy blockages, unnecessary costs and damage to the environment.
The ten most common things you should never flush down the toilet.
1. Medicines and pills
At first glance, flushing medications down the toilet seems like a safe way to dispose of them. However, chemicals from these drugs end up in the sewage system and can eventually reach drinking water, posing a serious threat to the environment and human health. The degradation of these chemicals is slow, and their residues can cause hormonal disturbances in animals in aquatic ecosystems.
2. Cigarettes
Many smokers are unaware of the damage caused by cigarette butts. Cigarette filters are difficult to degrade and can remain in nature for decades. In addition, cigarettes are full of toxic chemicals that negatively affect aquatic ecosystems when released into water. They are especially dangerous for small aquatic organisms that are sensitive to toxins.
Photo: Mkbasil / Pexels3. Bandages for wounds
Small pieces of patches may seem harmless, but many contain plastic elements that do not degrade. Gauze liners can also become jammed in pipes and cause serious obstructions to water flow. In addition, plastic particles released from the patches can end up in the sea and harm marine organisms.
4. Dental floss
Dental floss is small but dangerous to the sewage system. When you flush it down the toilet, it can tangle and form clumps that block the flow of water. Dental floss does not break down and can cause serious blockages. Its thin threads can trap other debris, increasing the risk of clogging.
5. Cat litter
When cat litter comes into contact with water, it swells and forms thick lumps that can completely clog pipes. Putting cat litter in the toilet is therefore a very bad idea. Additionally, it contains odor control chemicals that are harmful to aquatic organisms.
6. Fats and oils
Fats and oils solidify in the pipes and form solid layers that can completely block the flow of water. In addition to clogging pipes, they also cause unpleasant odors that spread throughout the house. Common sources of these fats are cooking oils and fats, which are better disposed of in specially designed containers.
Diapers. Photo: Karolina Grabowska / Pexels7. Hygiene products for women
Tampons and sanitary napkins are designed to absorb a large amount of liquid and therefore swell greatly in water. This causes them to get stuck in the pipes and cause blockages. The materials they are made of do not degrade, which makes the problem worse. In addition, their removal may require expensive repairs.
8. Hair
Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged pipes. They easily become jammed and coated with grease and other debris, which eventually results in a solid lump that blocks the pipes. Hair is extremely durable and can build up for months before causing problems. Regular drain cleaning can help prevent these problems.
9. Diapers
When diapers come into contact with water, they swell greatly and can completely block the pipes. The materials they are made of can become toxic after prolonged contact with water, posing a health risk. It is important to dispose of diapers in special waste bins.
10. Condoms
Condoms are made of latex, which does not break down in water. Once inside the pipes, they can stretch and stick to the pipe walls, causing complex blockages. When filled with air, they can cause even worse problems. They can also pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems as they can be easily transported in watercourses.
In addition to the listed ten items, you should never throw them in the toilet wet wipes, cotton pads, paper towels, plugs and ear sticks.
