No, you should not flush printing paper down the toilet.
Flushing printing paper, or any kind of paper besides toilet paper, can lead to significant plumbing problems. According to the reference, flushing paper (like newspaper) can quickly clog your drains, leading to a call to your plumber or septic specialist.
Why You Shouldn't Flush Printing Paper
- It Doesn't Break Down Easily: Printing paper is designed to be durable and hold its form, unlike toilet paper which is made to disintegrate quickly in water.
- Clogs: Because it doesn't break down, printing paper can accumulate in your pipes, causing blockages and potentially leading to sewage backups.
- Septic System Issues: For those with septic systems, flushing printing paper can overwhelm the system and cause it to fail, resulting in costly repairs.
What to Do Instead
- Recycle: The best option is to recycle your used printing paper.
- Trash: If recycling isn't an option, dispose of it in the trash.
| Paper Type | Can You Flush It? |
|---|---|
| Toilet Paper | Yes |
| Printing Paper | No |
| Newspaper | No |
| Paper Towels | No |
| Facial Tissues | No |
