does it hurt a plumbing system if you flush toilet paper down it over a period of time?

Question

very interest if it better to flush it or throw it in a trash can?

Answer 1

If you do it often it is bad for it but if you do it once in a wile it wont be bad for it but you should not do it.

Answer 2

Toilet paper is specially designed to degrade. To be sure, you can perform a simple test, which is what RVers do to check what is safe to use in their holding tank. Take a couple of sheets and put them in a jar half full of water and shake it up. A degradable toilet tissue will disintegrate into tiny pieces very quickly, and into mush, which is exactly what you want. Something like a paper napkin will not do this. If you are on a sewer system, no worries, unless the quantity clogs the outlet and causes a blockage. Don;t use too much at one time. If on a septic tank, the best thing is to put nothing that is not biodegradable or didn't come out of your body down there.. Toilet paper will have a label on the side. Look for the specific words, safe for septic tanks, and you'll be OK. The thing about a septic system is that it works on the bacteria you contribute to the tank through your bodily waste. Anything which kills bacteria is bad for the tank, which means things like chlorine bleach in a washing machine. That is why someone above suggested RidX, which is bacteria and enzymes which promote the bacteria colony in the tank. You have more to worry about from the lint which comes out of your washing machine which is not biodegradable eventually clogging the drain field than you have to worry about from toilet paper.

Answer 3

This question is obviously from Taiwan. Taiwanese people think some strange things. I think it's a lie that the sewage system in Taiwan can't handle toilet paper. I always flush the paper.

My theory is that people in Taiwan like to look at their poo, so they don't throw the paper in the toilet, they throw it in a trash can. It's a disgusting habit. The kids in schools I teach at constantly think about, draw pictures of, and talk about poo.

Taiwanese people also think that riding your motorcycle with the headlights on uses more gas. What a joke. They study, study, study but it doesn't do much good. It's all brainwashing and not education.

Answer 4

Yuck! you mean wipe your butt and then put it in a trash can, how filthy. This is prone to diseases and contamination. Think of all the diseases you could get, the smells, you'd probably have maggots be the end of the day.
What in heavens name do you think the toilet and plumbing was invented for. Use to toilet for Pete's sake.

Answer 5

toilet paper is made to dissolve in water. It will not hurt the plumbing no mater how much or how often you flush it.

Answer 6

This would depend on whether or not you have a septic. If you have a septic then, yes, over time, it can become a problem, UNLESS, you use RidX, or other septic cleaning products once a month to prevent any problems.

If not on a septic, then no, it will not hurt it any.

Answer 7

Thats what a plumbing system is for - just don't use large amounts at a time.

Answer 8

the bathroom line is a seprate line till it reaches the main to the street. it is made for this purpose. no damage unless to much paper or the line gets blocked by tree roots or other blockage.

Answer 9

Please flush.Just read the paper package and it will tell you if it is safe for septic systems.I use Scott for that reason,never have any problems.The 1000 sheets can't be beat either...

Answer 10

no the paper we get today is quick to dissolve and does not hurt,
feminine stuff and cigarette butts stay forever