Can You Flush Paper Towels? The Truth You Need to Know

Introduction

At some point, most of us have been in a rush and flushed a paper towel down the toilet without thinking twice. But is it really safe to flush paper towels? The truth might surprise you. Flushing paper towels can cause significant damage to your plumbing, create costly repairs, and even harm the environment. In this article, we’ll explain why flushing paper towels is a bad idea and how to properly dispose of them.

What Are Paper Towels Made Of?

Composition of Paper Towels

Paper towels are made from a combination of wood fibers, pulp, and other materials that give them strength and absorbency. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to break down quickly in water, paper towels are manufactured to be sturdy and durable for cleaning.

Why They Don’t Break Down Like Toilet Paper

While toilet paper is specifically made to dissolve when wet, paper towels are thicker and meant to withstand moisture. This makes them perfect for cleaning, but terrible for plumbing.

Why Flushing Paper Towels is Problematic

They Don’t Disintegrate in Water

One of the main issues with paper towels is their inability to break apart in water. Unlike toilet paper, which dissolves almost immediately, paper towels maintain their structure, making them prone to blocking pipes.

Clogging Your Pipes

When you flush a paper towel, it can get stuck in the pipes, leading to blockages. Over time, these clogs can accumulate and cause serious plumbing problems, including backups and slow drainage.

Harmful to Septic Systems

If you have a septic tank, flushing paper towels can disrupt the system’s natural processes. They don’t break down easily, so they can interfere with the functioning of your septic system and cause it to fail.

The Risks of Flushing Paper Towels

Plumbing Damage

Paper towels can cause major damage to your plumbing. Blocked pipes might result in water backups, flooding, and leaks in your home, which can be both inconvenient and expensive.

High Repair Costs

Fixing clogs caused by paper towels often requires professional plumbing services, which can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars. In some cases, you may need to replace damaged pipes entirely.

Environmental Impact

Improperly flushed paper towels can end up in our waterways, contributing to pollution and harming wildlife. Because they don’t break down, they linger in the environment, causing long-term damage.

What Should You Do Instead of Flushing Paper Towels?

Throw Them in the Trash

The most straightforward and safest way to dispose of paper towels is by placing them in the trash. This helps protect your plumbing and ensures that they don’t end up in the environment.

Composting

If the paper towels are free of cleaning products or harmful chemicals, you can compost them. This is an environmentally friendly way to dispose of them and reduce waste.

Use Reusable Alternatives

Consider using cloth rags or microfiber cloths for cleaning, as they are reusable and reduce the need for disposable paper products. Washing them after each use also helps cut down on waste.

What If You’ve Already Flushed Paper Towels?

Dealing with Clogs

• If you notice a clog right away, use a plunger to try and break it up.
• You can also pour warm (not boiling) water into the toilet to help break down the paper towel and move the clog.

Calling a Plumber

If the clog persists, it's time to call in a professional plumber. Attempting to fix it on your own can cause further damage, so it’s best to let the experts handle it.

Tips for Preventing Future Problems

Flush Only Toilet Paper

Always flush toilet paper, as it is designed to break down quickly and won’t cause blockages.

Educate Your Household

Make sure everyone in your home knows that paper towels, wipes, and other non-flushable items should never go down the toilet. This helps prevent unnecessary plumbing issues.

Provide a Trash Can in the Bathroom

Place a small trash can in your bathroom to make it easy for people to dispose of paper towels, wipes, and other non-flushable items.

Common Misunderstandings About Flushing Paper Towels

“It’s Just One Paper Towel”

Even a single paper towel can cause problems in your pipes, especially if you have older plumbing. It’s always best to avoid flushing any paper towels.

“It Will Eventually Break Down”

Unlike toilet paper, paper towels don’t break down quickly. They may get stuck in pipes, leading to bigger problems down the line.

“My Plumbing Can Handle It”

No plumbing system, no matter how sturdy, is built to handle materials like paper towels, which don’t dissolve in water.

Conclusion

Flushing paper towels is never a good idea. They don’t break down like toilet paper, leading to plumbing blockages, costly repairs, and environmental damage. To keep your plumbing safe and your home clean, always dispose of paper towels in the trash or consider composting them. Making small changes in how you dispose of paper towels can prevent big problems down the road.