3 Things You Shouldn’t Flush Down Your Drains

Within the modern home, there are many products that could have a negative impact on our sewage systems if flushed down the drains. There are also items that could cause irreparable harm to the local ecosystem if they come into contact with water sources within our local community.

As members of a community, it’s our duty to protect the area for the future! The challenge is in knowing which items are safe, and which items could cause lasting damage to sewer components.

So in simple terms, what can’t you flush?

1. Hygiene Products

Many of the most common home hygiene products contain chemicals that impact the local eco system and add dangerous elements to our water systems; products such as paper towels are not designed to break down in water like toilet paper. This means they can block sewer areas and cause damage over time.

Band aids are made from non-biodegradable plastic, which causes exceptional problems within the natural environment, and should never be flushed down the drain. Cotton balls are also a common problem for sewer maintenance teams, as these products can gather together at bends in the system, causing large blockages.

2. Pharmaceuticals

With the latest industry research and hazardous product detection equipment, we’re now slowly discovering the full extent of the damage caused by pharmaceuticals within our sewer systems. These products make their way into water sources after being flushed down toilets by those disposing of medications.

Most pharmaceuticals, including common over-the-counter cough medicines, contain numerous hazardous chemicals. They should be disposed of either by contacting the local hazardous waste specialists and ordering a pick-up or by returning them to the local pharmacy.

3. Household Hazardous Waste

Products such as paints and cleaning products can often contain VOCs and other elements that are toxic to the natural environment. The flushing of such products into the sewage system creates a build-up of dangerous elements within water supplies, potentially causing serious health effects over time.

Instead of being flushed down into the sewer, household hazardous waste products should be dropped off at accepted sites across the region.

By understanding the various impacts that common household items can have on our environment, you can become a more environmentally-conscious consumer and help further protect natural areas and those living within them from harm. Contact our team today to learn more about how to make your bathroom green!