Flushing the kitchen roll down the toilet is not recommended.
Here’s what you need to know about why it’s best to avoid flushing this common household item.
Does the Kitchen Roll Flush?
No, you should not flush the kitchen roll down the toilet.
The kitchen roll is designed to be absorbent and does not break down in water like toilet paper.
Flushing it can easily clog pipes and cause plumbing issues.
The best practice is to always put used kitchen rolls in the bin, not the toilet.
Key Points
- Kitchen roll does not dissolve in water like toilet paper
- Flushing it can clog pipes and damage plumbing
- Kitchen rolls should always be disposed of in the trash, not down the toilet
Our Opinion
Based on the absorbent materials used to make kitchen rolls, it is clear these paper towels should never be flushed down toilets.
Therefore, we strongly advise disposing of used kitchen rolls in the bin.
Flushing it even once risks expensive plumbing issues like blocked drains.
Toilet paper is specially designed to dissolve in water, so it’s the only paper product that should go down the toilet.
Can You Flush the Kitchen Roll Down the Toilet?
Kitchen rolls, along with wet wipes, cotton pads, and other paper towels, should not be flushed down the toilet. These paper products do not break down in water like toilet paper. When flushed, they can snag inside pipes and clog drains, creating a sticky mass that builds up over time.
Hence, water companies specifically warn against flushing kitchen rolls, especially during times of high usage like the coronavirus crisis. The paper can easily catch on pipes and cause blockages. This is also true of other products like tampons and sanitary pads, which expand and don’t disintegrate in water.
It’s costly and difficult to fix these clogged pipes and fatbergs. The best practice is to avoid flushing kitchen rolls and instead dispose of them properly in the bin. This prevents plumbing disasters and keeps wastewater systems running smoothly.
Overall, the kitchen roll does not flush. For the health of your plumbing and sewer systems, put this paper product in the rubbish bin, not down the toilet.
Why You Should Not Flush Kitchen Roll
There are a few key reasons why it’s important to avoid flushing kitchen rolls down the toilet:
- It does not break down like toilet paper. The fibres in kitchen rolls are designed to be absorbent and strong, so they do not disintegrate when wet. This causes clogs and blockages.
- It can catch on pipes and joints. The papery texture of kitchen roll means it can easily snag on any imperfections inside pipes. This traps other debris too.
- It exacerbates fatbergs. Fatbergs are massive clumps of waste that stick together in sewers. Flushing kitchen roll contributes to these as the paper binds with fats, oils, wipes, and other non-flushables.
- It can damage plumbing and septic systems. Over time, flushing paper towels can destroy pipe joints and cause cracks or leaks. Septic tanks are also put under strain trying to break down this material.
- It’s costly to repair. Unblocking pipes and pumping out fatbergs requires significant effort and expense for water companies. These costs often get passed on to customers through higher bills.
By disposing of used kitchen rolls sustainably in the bin, you avoid unnecessary strain on wastewater systems. This prevents blockages and damage that could be expensive and difficult to fix down the line. Certainly, it’s a small change that makes a big difference.
What To Do with Used Kitchen Roll Instead of Flushing
Flushing kitchen roll down the toilet can lead to clogged pipes and sewage backups. So, what should you do with it instead?
The most common and environmentally friendly solution is to simply throw used kitchen rolls in the trash. Modern landfills are designed to contain such waste safely.
For those who compost, kitchen roll can also go into your compost bin in moderation. It will break down over time, adding carbon content.
Some people reuse kitchen rolls in creative ways before disposing – using the other side for cleaning or craft projects like making papier-mâché.
Additionally, you can invest in more sustainable paper towel alternatives:
- Cloth napkins or rags are reusable and cut down on waste.
- Bamboo paper towels are sturdy yet biodegradable.
- Recycled paper towels support a circular economy.
Although it may seem convenient, flushing away kitchen roll typically causes more harm than good. Therefore, following these disposal methods is better for your plumbing and the planet.
FAQ
What happens if I flush the kitchen roll?
Flushing kitchen roll down the toilet can lead to blocked drains and sewer pipes. The paper does not break down like toilet paper and can bind together to form a solid mass. This mass can clog pipes, prevent wastewater from flowing properly, and lead to backups and overflows.
Is it okay to use kitchen rolls as toilet paper?
No, it is not recommended to use kitchen rolls as a replacement for toilet paper. The kitchen roll is designed to be absorbent but does not break down in water. Using it as toilet paper can create blockages in pipes and sewer systems. Accordingly, it’s better to only flush toilet paper down the toilet.
Can you flush the kitchen roll once?
It’s not advisable to flush the kitchen roll down the toilet even just once. The paper towels can get stuck in pipes and start to build up with other debris to cause a clog. It’s best to avoid flushing kitchen rolls at all and dispose of them in the trash.
Are kitchen paper towels flushable?
No, kitchen paper towels should not be flushed. Although they are made of paper, they do not break down in water like toilet paper. Flushing them can damage plumbing systems by clogging pipes and septic tanks. Thus, kitchen paper towels should always be disposed of in the trash, not down the toilet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, flushing the kitchen roll down the toilet is not recommended. Kitchen roll does not dissolve in water like toilet paper and can easily cause blockages in waste pipes. Water companies advise against flushing any paper towels, wet wipes or other household items besides toilet paper. All things considered, it is important to dispose of kitchen rolls and similar products in the bin, to avoid expensive plumbing issues.
