Can You Flush Tampons in the Toilet?

Millions of women around the world use tampons every month to absorb menstrual flow during their period. The way to use it is by inserting it into the vaginal canal with the help of the fingers. The process will be much faster and easier as long as the woman practices some concentration and relaxation methods, such as deep breathing. For more comfort and speed, you can use some lubricant.

But on the subject, there is a very peculiar question that has become a trend among the main search engines on the Internet: Can You Flush Tampons in the toilet? Although flushing this object down the toilet after use seems to be the easiest and quickest way to get rid of it, experts recommend not doing it. Here's why and the best way to dispose of it.

Can tampons be flushed down the toilet?

It seems to be the simplest and quickest option, but it is not recommended to flush tampons down the toilet. It is an object that does not decompose easily in contact with liquid as toilet paper does, otherwise, it would not be an effective method to absorb menstrual flow.

Doing so carries some unfavourable consequences for the environment and for the plumbing system. These are:

• Serious problems with the plumbing system: The first thing to take into account is that if more and more people flush tampons down the toilet, a problem of clogged pipes will most likely arise. This situation requires the services of a plumbing professional, so you will have to spend a lot of money on repair and maintenance work.
• Sewage overflow: As a result of a blocked pipe and sewer system, there will most likely be a sewage overflow.
• Impact on wildlife: It should be taken into account that tampons are mostly made of plastics, a material that tends to decompose after a long time. During the process, it secretes highly polluting chemicals that affect marine life, but also human beings who consume contaminated food from the sea.

How long does it take for tampons to clog the toilet?

It is most likely that when you flush the first tampon down the toilet, you will immediately notice the effects of the clogging of the plumbing system. You should know that a situation like this can happen at any time and under any circumstances, so you should avoid plumbing blockages that require the intervention of an expert.

For the same reason, some experts on the subject assure that it is not possible to talk about a specific period of time since at some point objects can stagnate in the drain, generating chaos.

The first thing you should take into account is that the inside of the pipes is full of dirt, making it easy for any object to get trapped behind it. If you throw a tampon in the toilet and the accumulated dirt prevents its passage, it will prevent the water from flushing easily.

Then, if this object gets stuck in the pipes, it won't be long before you notice the consequences of the blockage.

If the blockage is severe, it's time to call the plumber to empty the drain without any complications. But before dialling the professional, try some home tricks to unblock the drain on your own. Usually, common people apply hot water, soapy water or the immersion technique.

The truth is that these procedures work if the drain is in the toilet itself. But if items such as tampons have become clogged a little further down the drain, you will certainly need to call your trusted plumber.

How do you dispose of a tampon?

To dispose of a tampon quickly and safely, you can use a few simple methods, whether you're at home or at your workplace.

1. Get rid of the tampon when you are at home

It is best to wrap the object in toilet paper and throw it in the trash can. You can also use wet facial tissue as a wrapper. Another option is to use small bags designed to store and dispose of menstrual products.

2. What to do in the office?

Just like at home, you can use facial wipes or toilet paper to wrap the used tampon. But instead of throwing it in the trash can, dispose of the product in containers lined with plastic bags. The intention is that the surface of the container does not come in contact with the tampon.

Proper disposal of a used tampon is important to prevent others from coming into contact with blood. In this way, you ensure hygiene and safety.

Here's how a plumber can free the tampon tubing

Perhaps you have not been able to get the clogged tampon out on your own after flushing it down the toilet. You've required the services of a plumbing professional to do the job. Well, these are the most common methods they use to unclog pipes.

• Toilet auger: A specialized material for unblocking drains. They are for sale at most hardware stores at reasonable prices. Surely, it will be much larger and longer than the one you may have at home.
• Remove the toilet: Let's say the previous procedure was useless. The next step is to remove the toilet from its base. This method is quite useful to know exactly where the pipe blockage is inside.
• Hydrojet: It is an effective method but a bit more extreme. Of course, it is the alternative to the other two procedures when neither works. Basically, it is to introduce a specialized hose down the drain and with the help of water pressure, it removes any trace of dirt.
• Reinstall the pipe: It may be that the pipe is not suitable, which is why it has become clogged. In that case, the most advisable thing to do is to make an immediate change. The issue is that this procedure is much more expensive.

Throwing tampons in the toilet is the easiest way to get rid of the used object, but it generates a lot of inconvenience. It can lead to clogged pipes that may require lengthy and costly plumbing work.