Why You Shouldn’t Pour Household Wastewater into the Toilet

Utilizing wastewater for flushing toilets can significantly save you money on water bills, but in reality, this method has severe consequences.

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In order to save water to the maximum extent, many people reserve domestic wastewater (wastewater after washing, bathing, rinsing vegetables, dishwashing, etc.) to flush the toilet after going to the bathroom. However, this is a harmful habit and should be abandoned.

Why shouldn’t you pour domestic wastewater into the toilet?

According to Sohu, pouring domestic wastewater into the toilet will have the following serious consequences.

Cause sewer blockage

Domestic wastewater can contain a large amount of impurities and waste materials, which will accumulate in the toilet and sewer, causing poor water flow or even complete blockage.


Why shouldn’t you pour domestic wastewater into the toilet? Because this type of water can damage the toilet and drainage system. (Image: Gotta Wanna Needa Getta Prepared)

Spread bacteria

Domestic wastewater can contain a large number of bacteria and viruses. When used to flush the toilet, bacteria and viruses can spread into the air and cause pollution, adversely affecting health.

Damage the toilet and drainage system

Domestic wastewater can contain chemicals that are harmful to the toilet and drainage system. Using it to flush the toilet for a long time can damage the toilet and drainage system, increasing repair costs.

Although domestic wastewater can wash away dirt in the toilet, its impact is much weaker compared to clean water, which significantly reduces the cleaning efficiency, sometimes causing the inside of the toilet bowl to become yellow or stubborn stains that cannot be completely removed. That is why you shouldn’t pour domestic wastewater into the toilet.

Things you should never flush down the toilet

Many people treat the toilet as a trash can and dispose of waste by throwing it in and flushing it. Flushing garbage into the toilet not only causes pipe blockage but can also spread diseases. Here are things you should never throw into the toilet:

Wet wipes

Many people think that wet wipes are similar to regular tissues and will disintegrate after being flushed down the toilet. In reality, they will remain intact in the sewer system and persist in water sources. And they can easily cause pipe blockage.


Discarding wet wipes in the toilet is the cause of pipe blockage. (Image: Choice)

Expired medication

Many people are afraid that young children may tamper with expired medication, so they flush it down the toilet instead of throwing it in the trash. However, this behavior can be harmful to the community. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation advises that the substances in antidepressants, hormones, antibiotics, and other medicines may not change after the wastewater treatment process and enter rivers and other water sources. They will pollute drinking water sources downstream and may harm fish or other organisms.

Cotton pads

Cotton pads may look similar to tissues, but their reaction after being flushed down the toilet is very different from tissues. Think about why we use cotton pads to apply pressure to wounds after injections? It’s because cotton pads have the ability to absorb liquids and are not dissolved by water. The cotton will expand when in contact with water, causing clogs in the drainage pipes.

Hair

Those who have pulled a bunch of hair out of a clogged bathroom drain or sink will know what it can do to the drainage system. When strands of hair get tangled together, they are not easily carried away by water.

Cat feces or litter

Never flush cat feces or litter down the toilet. Cat litter will expand when in contact with water and clog the drainage pipes. Moreover, cat feces may contain the Toxoplasma gondii parasite, which can be harmful to humans or aquatic organisms when released into the environment.

Leftover food

Some people have the habit of dumping leftover food into the toilet to reduce the hassle of throwing away trash. This is also a common cause of pipe blockage in the water and toilet system. Although they may decompose, it takes a long time.

Sanitary napkins

Sanitary napkins are very friendly to women but quite “cruel” to the sewer system. Regularly disposing of sanitary napkins in the toilet will cause a disaster for the drainage system. Additionally, other products such as condoms, panty liners, etc., should also not be flushed into the toilet.

According to VTC news

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In reality, flushing wastewater down the toilet does not bring as many benefits as many people still believe.

Frequently asked questions

Pouring household wastewater into the toilet can cause serious problems. The wastewater contains harmful chemicals and substances that can damage the toilet’s plumbing system and contribute to water pollution. These chemicals can also corrode pipes and septic tanks, leading to costly repairs. It’s important to dispose of household wastewater properly, such as by pouring it down the sink or drain with running water.

The consequences of pouring household wastewater into the toilet can be significant. In addition to corroding pipes and septic tanks, it can also cause clogs and backups in the plumbing system. This can lead to expensive repairs and even require the replacement of the entire system. Pouring wastewater down the toilet can also contribute to water pollution, as the chemicals and substances in the water can be harmful to the environment.

There are a few proper ways to dispose of household wastewater. One way is to pour it down the sink or drain with running water. You can also use a septic tank or a grease trap to collect and dispose of the wastewater properly. If you have a large amount of wastewater, you can contact your local waste management company for guidance on how to dispose of it safely and in accordance with local regulations.

Common sources of household wastewater include washing machines, dishwashers, sinks, showers, and baths. It’s important to be mindful of the proper disposal methods for each of these sources to avoid any potential problems.

Yes, there are a few alternatives to pouring household wastewater down the drain. One option is to reuse the water for other purposes, such as watering plants or cleaning. You can also collect the wastewater and use it for flushing toilets or other non-potable purposes. Joining a local community that recycles wastewater is another option.