No, you should not flush tissue.
While it might seem convenient, flushing tissue, especially facial tissues, can cause significant plumbing problems. The primary concern is that these types of tissue are not designed to break down as quickly as toilet paper and can lead to clogs in your home's pipes and within municipal sewer systems.
Why You Shouldn't Flush Tissues
Unlike toilet paper, facial tissues are made to be more durable and absorbent, meaning they don't disintegrate easily in water. This lack of biodegradability leads to:
- Clogged pipes: The tissues can clump together, obstructing the flow of water through your pipes, causing backups and potential overflows.
- Sewer system issues: When flushed into larger sewage systems, tissues can contribute to massive clogs that affect entire neighborhoods, requiring costly and time-consuming repairs.
- Damage to pumps: According to the provided reference, tissue can damage the pumps in municipal sewage systems, further disrupting the infrastructure.
What to Do Instead of Flushing
If you have used tissue, you should always dispose of it in the trash. This practice is especially important when using alternatives to toilet paper.
The provided reference explicitly states:
Do not flush paper towels, wipes or facial tissues—they clog your pipes and our pumps! As toilet paper is now so hard to find, many District residents and employees are turning to alternatives. If you must use something other than toilet paper, please be sure to discard it in the trash.
This directive clearly indicates that tissues, regardless of type, should be thrown away and not flushed down the toilet. Using a trash bin for your tissue disposal prevents clogs and protects the sewage system from unnecessary strain.
Summary Table
| Material | Flushable? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet Paper | Yes | Designed to break down quickly in water |
| Facial Tissues | No | Does not break down easily; can cause clogs |
| Paper Towels | No | Does not break down easily; can cause clogs |
| Wipes | No | Does not break down easily; can cause clogs |
By following these guidelines, you can help keep your plumbing system and your community's infrastructure running smoothly.
