It is of vulnerable importance what you flush down your pipeline into your drainage system as it is one of the most sensitive home management structures. There is a fine line between what you can and cannot pass into your septic tanks. Can you flush gum down the toilet? – The question has sparked reservation and curiosity in everyone since it sounds like the most normal thing to do. What consequences does it bear? Is it safe or not? Such questions keep lining up in the context.
And we’ve got you!
This article will discuss and break down the truth behind this uncertainty.
Keep following the article if you do not want to end up doing something wrong and messing up everything.
Can you Flush Gum Down the Toilet?
Can you?
Absolutely NOT!
Don’t even think about it. Flushing gum down the toilet could be the most horrible thing you can ever do to your drainage system.
It isn’t fun clearing up a clogged, stinky, and overflowing septic tank, is it? Exactly.
Think about it – gum is a solid material composed mostly of plastic. Since it doesn’t break down in interaction with water.
We bet your parents or elders have, at the very least, once told you to NOT swallow your gums. Why do you think they said that so? Because it has no capability of breaking down!
So can you flush gum down the toilet? NO. Do not flush gum down your toilet unless you expect a messed-up drainage system that will cost you a fortune to get repaired.
What Will Happen If you Flush Gum Down your Toilet?
As you might have already guessed, gums can mess up your pipelines and, eventually, your septic tank system.
They do not break down as they are of plastic components. Instead, they exhibit sticky nature, which can worsen the consequences.
How so?
As gums won’t ever dissolve or break down, they will travel down your pipeline as a lump. As they are very sticky, they will attract other debris, such as hair, paper, etc., along the way and transition into a big fat piece of a chunk.
And as expected, it will clog the pipes or the tanks adversely, resulting in various malfunctions. (The results are no way near fun!)
Will Gum Break Down in Water?
Some people have this weird misconception that gum breaks down in the water.
Really? That is absurd.
Gums do NOT break down in the water in any instances.
Let’s get into the details.
The rubber base used in gum production is hydrophobic. Oh, that’s science; let’s talk English.
Hydrophobic gums – gums are non-water soluble. They do not loosen or dissolve with water. Water does not affect their structure at all. This is why you can chew gum in your mouth for longer without having it dissolve with your watery saliva.
Due to such a chemical nature in gums, water is a ‘nobody’! Gums will don’t ever break down in the water.
If you want to break it down, you will need to use other liquid solutions instead of water.
But the water drainage system does not run with ‘other liquid solutions.’ – does it?
Well, we suppose you know the drill.
Can Gum Go Down the Sink?
NOPE.
The sink water pipeline also goes into the drainage tank, doesn’t it?
And the sink pipes also run with ‘water,’ doesn’t it?
What reason is there to make it safe enough to pass gums down the sink and be perfectly good? None.
Just as how bad it is to flush gum down the toilet, it is equally bad to pass gum down the sink.
There is no argument about it.
How Do you Properly Dispose of Gum?
What is the safest and most proper way to discard or dispose of chewing gums?
Shove it off to the trash can. Yes, as simple as that.
Once you’re down enjoying the gum, wrap it in a small piece of paper or similar material.
(You can use the chewing gum wrapper, which is a convenient option).
After wrapping the gum, directly put it into the garbage bag, can, bin, or whatsoever you use to discard rubbish.
Do not conclude that the wrapping process is unnecessary. It is important since it will prevent the garbage from sticking in and making u unnecessary drama.
So please wrap your gums in paper or similar material and discard them into the bin.
Do not leave chewed gums elsewhere since it can create a wide range of trouble for people and the environment.
Things you Should Never Flush Down the Toilet
What things stir up troubles when flushed down the toilet? It will save you big time if you have the idea.
Let us look at some of the common things we use at home that carry the risk of messing up your toilet drainage system if flushed down.
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Wipes
All wipes –wet, baby, make-up, bleach, etc. are not breakable down your pipeline, even when some wipes carry the ‘biodegradable’ label. Why bear the risk when you can safely dump it into a bin?
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Sanitary Pads and Tampons
Pads and tampons absorb liquid. What will happen when they go into your pipeline and absorb as much water as possible? Potential blockage and clogging!
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Dental Floss
Dental floss can create net structures and wrap-around places when flushed down the toilet, making itself a potential obstacle for seamless drainage activity.
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Hair
Hair can result in massive clogging. SO keep an alternative way of discarding lost hair other than simply flushing it down the toilet.
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Chemical Products
Do not flush down expired chemical products such as cosmetics, paint, medications, etc. It can mess with the degradation methodology in the drainage system and result in overflows and blockages.
- Cat litter
Cat litter contains toxic substances that are not in the book of water drainage systems to deal with. Hence they can block and screw the entire system. Sometimes they will also run back into your water supply.
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