Is It OK to Flush Paper Towels?
We have all asked this question at some point, should you flush paper towels? We have the answers you need to know!
You know what I'm talking about—it's that age-old question we've all asked ourselves at least once in our lives. Are paper towels flushable? Well, the answer is not so straightforward. It seems like an innocuous enough action, but flushing paper towels can actually cause some serious plumbing problems. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of flushing paper towels and why it might be best to avoid doing so altogether.
The Pros & Cons of Flushing Paper Towels
On the one hand, paper towels are made of cellulose fibers that are designed to break down quickly when they come into contact with water. This means that they can often pass through plumbing systems without causing any major blockages or backups. However, this isn't always the case. Even if a few paper towels make it through your pipes without causing any damage, they may still accumulate over time and eventually clog your drains or septic tank system.
Another issue with flushing paper towels is that even those labeled as "flushable" often don't break down fast enough for them to pass through plumbing systems without creating a problem. As such, it's best to avoid using these products in toilets altogether unless you want to risk having your drains or septic system clogged up with wet paper towels!
Finally, remember that even if you do flush a few pieces of paper towel successfully, these products will still end up in your local water treatment facility where they can cause problems for both plant workers and the environment as a whole.
For example, when large amounts of undigested material enter water treatment facilities, it increases their workload and makes it more difficult for them to process wastewater safely and efficiently. Additionally, undigested materials can harm aquatic wildlife by blocking sunlight from reaching vital algae populations which provides food for many species of fish and other animals living in lakes and rivers downstream from the facility itself!
Conclusion:
Ultimately, while flushing a few pieces of paper towel may not seem like a big deal at first glance, it can have some serious repercussions for both your home's plumbing system and the environment as a whole. As such, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid flushing any type of paper towel product down your toilet whenever possible! With just a bit of extra effort on your part now you can keep both yourself and the environment safe from potential damage later on down the road!
If you are in the market for a paper towel holder check out the options below: