Toilet paper is designed to break down into very small particles upon immersion in water and is therefore ideal for flushing down toilets. However, Australians sometimes look for alternatives if toilet paper has run out, but are these alternatives safe for your plumbing, or will they lead to a blockage in your sewer system?
Let’s take a quick look at some alternatives Aussie households are using and what the repercussions might be.
Toilet Paper Alternatives That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Paper towel is a common “go-to” product if the toilet paper supply has run out. While it’s perfectly fine to use paper towel as a temporary solution, it should be binned rather than flushed after use. The same goes for baby wipes or wet wipes. They’re fine to use, but should never be flushed down the toilet. Newspaper has also been known to be used as toilet paper from time to time, but once again it should be tossed in a rubbish bin.
All of these products will potentially clog up your toilet if flushed, culminating in a very messy problem.
Install a Bidet
Bidets are used worldwide as a common replacement for toilet paper. A bidet is simply a small hose that’s used to wash the body clean rather than wiping. To ensure correct installation of a bidet system, only ever have one installed by a licensed plumber. Never attempt to install a bidet yourself. Call in a professional.
