As the Covid-19 pandemic is now predicted to stretch to months rather than weeks, there is something very important that professional plumbers everywhere want you to know. There is no substitute for toilet paper. Any other product that you flush is going to create serious issues inside your drain and sewer pipes. And the proof of this is in the dramatic increase in calls plumbers are receiving for clog removal.
But It’s All Just Paper
Well, while most of the products that people are using in place of toilet paper are made of paper, there is one critical difference. TP is designed to disintegrate when it is flushed. This fast breakdown is why there are not more clogs and backups in sewer lines. But when you begin to substitute paper towels, napkins, tissues, and baby wipes, you are sure to experience a very serious problem very quickly.
What Does Flushable Mean
Toilet paper, wipes, and other hygiene products are not as regulated as food or medical items. So the manufacturer can be a little more relaxed about the wording on the package. As a result, when a wipe says flushable, it does not necessarily mean that it is safe for your sewer pipe or septic system. It can mean that the wipes will flush past your toilet bowl and nothing more. What homeowners need to understand is that wipes that do disintegrate or break down will be labeled as biodegradable and septic system safe.
When You Have No Alternative
Because there is no toilet paper to be found in some stores and regions, there are times when you need to make the tough choice and use something else. And any paper product is better than nothing. But what you need to know is that these products should NEVER be flushed down a toilet. Instead, they should be disposed of in a trash receptacle.
And while this might sound disgusting, it is no worse than having a diaper pail in your home. You simply need to be prepared to manage this new process. Having a trash can with a good lid and many plastic bags or liners is the best way to avoid any odor or contamination. And while it might be troublesome now, you should know that your extra effort will be rewarded with no sewer line clog or sewage backing up into your home.
What If It’s Too Late?
If you are reading this with a frown on your face and the thought that you wish you knew this information sooner, don’t be too upset. There are solutions to every problem. And if this is the most serious issue you are faced with during this health crisis, then consider yourself fortunate. But know that there is a right way to handle a sewer line clog and a wrong way.
The Wrong Way
The wrong way to handle any sewer or drain clog is with a jug of toxic chemicals. These products claim to remove tough clogs. But in most cases, all that they do is damage your pipes and make your home smell awful. Pouring acid into a plastic or metal pipe can result in leaks that will only compound your problems.
The Solution For Clogged Sewer And Drain Lines
A professional drain cleaning is the only safe and guaranteed way to eliminate a clog. In addition, this cleaning process will remove all of the residue inside the pipes that will begin to create new clogs. As soon as you notice a slow clearing drain or a toilet that does not flush correctly, a call to (318) 202-9144 is the only safe solution. A Gordon AC & Plumbing drain cleaning specialist will arrive quickly and get the job done professionally and cost-effectively.
How It Works
Professional drain cleaning uses no toxic or harsh chemicals. In fact, we use no chemicals at all. Instead, our equipment uses only very high-pressure water to blast away any clogs in your drain and sewer pipes. And at the same time, the water jet removes all of the nasty residue that has accumulated inside your drain pipes. This helps to eliminate future clogs and the nasty odor from drains. Don’t let a mistake like flushing paper towels result in a flood of sewage in your home. Call the pros at Gordon AC & Plumbing to eliminate the clog and your worries.