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Is Paper Towel Flushable?

Published in Plumbing 2 mins read

No, paper towel is almost always not flushable.

Why You Shouldn't Flush Paper Towels

Flushing paper towels down the toilet can lead to significant plumbing issues. Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are not designed to break down quickly in water. According to the provided reference, "Regardless of the type of paper towel you're using, it can cause serious damage to your plumbing system and septic tank." This means flushing paper towels can:

  • Cause clogs in your pipes.
  • Damage your plumbing system.
  • Lead to problems with your septic tank if you have one.
  • Result in costly repairs.

Paper Towel vs. Toilet Paper

Feature Toilet Paper Paper Towel
Purpose Designed to dissolve in water Designed to absorb liquids
Breakdown Rate Breaks down quickly in water Does not break down quickly in water
Flushability Safe to flush (in appropriate amounts) Not safe to flush

What To Do Instead

Instead of flushing paper towels, dispose of them in the trash. This will prevent plumbing problems and keep your home's wastewater system running smoothly.

Key Takeaway

Flushing paper towels is almost always a bad idea, according to the reference. Avoid doing this to prevent potential plumbing and septic system damage.

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