Flush This, Not That!
We need your help! Our pipes are getting clogged more often than expected. It's not just that some of our infrastructure is aging, or that we've installed low-flow toilets in multiple locations to improve sustainability, it's because items are being flushed that you might not know shouldn't be. The list below (while in no way exhaustive) includes many of our top offenders...many of which will surprise you!
Here's a guide to help you make the right choices.
What You CAN Flush:
The Three P's: Pee, Poo, and Paper
- Pee: Urine is mostly water and contains minimal contaminants, making it safe to flush.
- Poo: Solid human waste can be flushed without any issues.
- Paper: Toilet paper is specifically designed to disintegrate quickly in water, making it safe for flushing. Use toilet paper sparingly to avoid clogs.
What You CANNOT Flush:
- Paper Towels
Never flush paper towels down the toilet, especially not the paper towels found in campus restrooms -- they are too thick, do not break down like toilet paper and can lead to clogs. - Baby Wipes and Cosmetic Wipes
Even if these products claim to be "flushable," do not flush them down the toilet. Baby wipes and cosmetic wipes are notorious for causing blockages in plumbing systems, both on and off-campus. - Tampons and Pads
UC Davis provides separate containers in most restroom stalls for the disposal of tampons and pads. Flushing these items can result in serious plumbing issues and should be avoided. - Dental Floss
It is non-biodegradable and can entangle with other debris in the sewer system, causing blockages. - Condoms
Condoms should not be flushed as they can clog pipes and can end up in public waterways, plus they don't biodegrade. Dump them in the trash. - Cotton Swabs and Cotton Balls
Cotton swabs and balls do not break down in water and can accumulate in pipes, leading to blockages. - Hair
Hair, whether short or long, should not be flushed. It can clump together with other materials and create blockages. - Medications
Flushing medications down the toilet can contaminate water supplies. Please follow proper disposal guidelines for medications, such as returning them to a pharmacy or using a designated disposal program. - Tissues
Seems like this would be okay, right? It's not. They don't disintegrate like toilet paper. Please throw these in the trash. - Contact Lenses
Flushing these down the toilet contributes to the creation of trillions of microplastics, a major environmental concern throughout the world.
The list of what not to flush is endless, so just remember that flushing anything other than the three P's (pee, poo, and paper) can lead to costly repairs and environmental problems. To maintain a functional and eco-friendly plumbing system on the UC Davis campus, it's essential to adhere to the guidelines outlined above. By being mindful of what you flush, you can help ensure the smooth operation of our facilities and protect our environment.
Thank you to SurferToday.com for helping with this list.