A plumber has issued a stark warning about one very common bathroom item which should never be flushed down the toilet, as it could mean being faced with a repair bill worth thousands of pounds.
Every year in the UK, an estimated 10,000 pipe and drain blockages happen, according to Southern Water. Knowing what you can and can’t flush is vital, as this can help homeowners to avoid any expensive issues.
Plumbing expert David Doran from Blackstone Plumbing and Heating has spoken to Yell to identify some seemingly harmless things that should never be put in the toilet – including one that many of us use every day.
When it comes to dental floss, the quickest and easiest way to dispose of it is often just flushing it down the toilet. But David says you should always put it in the bin instead, as he explained: “Dental floss is non-biodegradable and usually made from Teflon or nylon, meaning it can wrap around other debris, worsening clogs.”
These issues can also cause water damage if your blocked toilet overflows. Fixing water damage can cost an average of £2000, which is a high price to pay for some dental floss.
Similarly, you might not thing twice about flushing some stray hair down the toilet – but this can also end up causing a lot of problems in the long run, which can be another very pricey fix.
When hair collects in your drains after being flushed, it can create a blockage that prevents water from flowing through. This can lead to water backups, overflows, and even flooding. It can also cause your pipes to corrode and break over time and in severe cases, can cause your pipes to burst.
Burst pipes due to hair build-up can land homeowners with average bills of up to £9,000 according to the Association of British Insurers trade body. Alongside the expensive repair fees, flushing hair down the drain can also pollute the water supply and become a health hazard, as hair harbours bacteria and other contaminants.
If you’re concerned about your plumbing or you’re worried that something you flushed has caused a blockage, it’s best to contact your local plumber who will be able to help.
