Can You Flush Food Down The Toilet? First of all, WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? Who’s flushing their lunch down the toilet? Hopefully, no one.
Toilets are an integral part of our daily lives, serving a vital function in our homes. It’s no surprise that they can sometimes be finicky, especially considering the frequency of their use. One of the most common problems with toilets is clogging, and while there can be several causes for this issue, one of the main culprits is people attempting to flush food down the toilet. Although it may seem convenient to dispose of old leftovers in this way, flushing food can result in massive clogs and costly repairs. In this article, Budget Plumbing in Greenville, SC will shed light on why flushing food down the toilet is not a good idea.
Can Food Be Flushed Down the Toilet?
While it’s understandable that not everyone has a garbage disposal and no one wants their kitchen to smell like spoiled food, it is never advisable to flush food down the toilet. The pipes that facilitate the removal of waste from the toilet are too narrow to handle food, which often leads to clogs or sewage backups. Furthermore, food waste takes a longer time to break down compared to human waste, exacerbating the problem.
Things You Should Never Flush
If you absolutely must dispose of food down the toilet, exercise caution, as doing so can still lead to damage. However, it is generally recommended to avoid flushing any food items altogether. Here are some food items that you should never flush down the toilet:
- Fats and Oils: Just as you should never pour fats and oils down your kitchen sink, the same applies to flushing them down the toilet. Remember this simple rule: if the substance solidifies as it cools, it is not suitable for flushing. Fats and oils can adhere to the sides of the pipes and create major toilet backups. Additionally, they can contribute to the formation of fat-bergs, which are large accumulations of fats, oils, and debris that can cause significant sewage issues for entire communities.
- Grains and Starches: Foods like cereal, oats, and rice should never be flushed down the toilet. Despite their small size, grains can expand when waterlogged, leading to significant clogs and backups in your toilet and sewer line. Similarly, starches such as pasta or potatoes have a gelatinous nature that can cause issues when flushed.
- Large, Hard Scraps: It is widely known that flushing large food items down the toilet is a bad idea. However, what many fail to realize is that even small, hard food waste takes a long time to break down. Examples of hard scraps include bones, corn cobs, and fruit cores. Flushing hard scraps can result in major clogs. In the unlikely event that they make it into the sewer, they can contribute to the growth of infamous fat-bergs.
Better Alternatives
Even if you don’t have a garbage disposal, there are much better options for disposing of food waste than flushing it down the toilet. Consider the following alternatives:
- Store unwanted leftovers and food scraps in sealable plastic bags in your freezer and throw them away on trash day.
- Embrace composting! Most food scraps can be recycled into nutrient-rich, organic fertilizer that can enrich your plants or gardens.
- Use empty cans or sealable bags to dispose of fats, oils, and other liquids.
- Repurpose leftovers creatively. For example, you can use last night’s baked chicken to make today’s chicken salad, and vegetable scraps can be used to enhance soups and stocks.
Trusted Plumbers in Greenville, SC
While it is essential to understand the importance of not flushing food down the toilet, accidents can still happen. If you find your toilet experiencing a backup or clog that you suspect is caused by food or any other foreign object, call the experts at Budget Plumbing. Since 1979, we have been THE most trusted plumbers in the Greenville area.
Call Budget Plumbing today at 864-250-0700 or schedule service online today for expert plumbing services you can trust!
