Sniffles? Here in Tampa Bay it could be pollen, a cold or maybe Covid. Who knows! Yet, what we do know is that regardless, we all use Kleenex to blow, wipe and (usually) flush away our symptoms. But, is this really a good idea?

Why We Love Our Facial Tissues… But our Plumbing Doesn’t

Facial tissues are designed to be soft and absorbent, making them ideal for wiping away tears, blowing your nose, or removing makeup. But unlike toilet paper, which is specifically engineered to disintegrate quickly in water, facial tissues are not designed with this purpose in mind. And as a result, flushing facial tissue paper down the toilet can lead to several issues for your home plumbing system.

Facial Tissues: Toilet Paper’s Sturdy Cousin

Firstly, facial tissue paper is typically more durable and thicker than toilet paper. And while this thickness is great for its primary purpose, it also means that they take longer to break down in water. So, unlike toilet paper, which disintegrates almost immediately upon contact with water, facial tissue can remain intact for much longer. And this increases the risk of clogs in your pipes.

Facial Tissues: Strong with a little Something extra

Additionally, facial tissues often contain additives such as lotions, fragrances, or dyes that are not in standard toilet paper. And these additives can further hinder the breakdown process and contribute to clogs in your plumbing system. So, even if a tissue appears to flush away without issue, it may become trapped in the pipes further down the line. And eventually this may cause a blockage that leaves you asking friends and family what is the best plumber near me to have Billy the Sunshine Plumber resolve the clog.

Why We Love Our Facial Tissues… But our Environment Doesn’t

Aside from the potential damage to your home plumbing, flushing facial tissue paper can also have environmental consequences. Because, when facial tissues accumulate in sewer systems or wastewater treatment plants, they can contribute to blockages and backups. And this can lead to spills of raw sewage into waterways or even homes. Additionally, the energy and resources required to treat and dispose of these blockages can have a significant environmental impact.

So, What Can You do to Avoid These Issues?

The simplest solution is to dispose of facial tissue paper in the trash rather than flushing it down the toilet. Because, by placing used facial tissues in a waste bin, you can prevent potential clogs in your plumbing system. And, this proper disposal reduces the strain on wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Throw Tissues in the Trash, Not in the Toilet

While it may be tempting to flush facial tissue paper down the toilet, doing so can have a negative impact on your home plumbing system and the environment. So, by disposing of facial tissues in the trash instead, you can help prevent clogs, reduce pollution, and promote a healthier plumbing system for your home and community.

Billy the Sunshine Plumber has been the Tampa Bay 24-hour plumber of choice since 1924 when he first opened for business. Plus they are open 24/7/365 in Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. So, days, nights, weekends, or holidays, Billy the Sunshine Plumber is always there for you.