Can You Flush Tampons Down the Toilet? Here’s What You Need to Know

Tampons are an essential part of daily life for many. However, people are still unaware of the proper ways of disposing of them. With many ways to dispose of them, flushing tampons down the toilet seems convenient. However, it can have surprising effects on your plumbing system, the environment, and the wastewater treatment facilities. In this article, we will review the impact of flushing tampons down the toilet and explore a few items that should never be flushed. If you want to learn more, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing today.

Can Tampons Be Flushed?

Let’s answer this question. The short answer is that tampons shouldn’t be flushed. Tampons are designed to absorb large volumes of fluid and expand accordingly. When you flush tampons, pads, or other feminine hygiene products down the toilet, you risk clogging up the pipes and drains that lead away from it. If these pipes or drains are clogged, they can lead to backups of toilets and even cause house flooding. Even if they do make it past the pipes or drains of your home, the tampons will end up in the public sewer treatment facilities and waterways. This can result in expensive maintenance for wastewater treatment facilities.

Environmental Concerns

Tampons can also cause significant environmental harm. The previous section mentioned the effects of flushing down tampons on a plumbing or sewer system. However, they also have environmental effects. Tampons can escape the treatment plans due to temporary blocks or system failures. When they escape, they end up in nearby bodies of water like rivers, oceans, or even natural habitats. Some of these tampons are made of microplastics that harm the entire ecosystem and marine life. So, while it may seem convenient to flush it away, the damage that it can lead to outweighs the convenience.

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Things You Should Never Flush Down the Toilet

Flushing feminine hygiene products down the toilet can lead to extensive plumbing and environmental harm. However, similar items can result in the same problem. Let’s go over a list of some of these items.

Baby Wipes & Diapers: Although baby wipes are considered flushable, they are the leading cause of many clogs. These wipes can’t dissolve as toilet papers do. The same goes for baby diapers. Diapers act very similarly to menstrual products. So, to avoid a costly toilet repair in the future, dispose of these materials in a trash bin.
Cotton Products: Cotton products like pads, Q-tips, and cotton balls aren’t safe to flush. They can attach together in pipes and lead to blockages.
Cooking Grease: Fats, oils, and grease should never be put down the drain or flushed. When the grease cools, it will thicken inside the pipes and increase the risk of clogs.
Food: Yes, flushing food is never recommended. While it is biodegradable and will eventually break down, food can lead to a short-term clog in the pipes.
Bleach: One of the most surprising items on this list is bleach. Although bleach is commonly used as a cleaning item, its chemical content harms your toilet and septic system. Instead, you can opt for a natural cleaning method like vinegar.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

Are you looking for an experienced contractor you can trust for your residential plumbing service? At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we are here to take your call anytime. With our affordable price plans, exceptional customer service, and team of professional plumbers, we are here for you. Call us today to learn more about us and our services.