Remember the panic over toilet paper during the height of the pandemic? People were stockpiling them like crazy! Thankfully, things have settled down now but you never know when it might happen again.
Most of have been in a situation where you reach out for the toilet paper and there’s none left. You look in the cupboard then you realise you had forgotten to buy toilet paper. That’s when you have no choice but to use something else instead.
Here are 5 toilet paper alternatives should you run out of toilet paper. Find out whether they are safe for your sewer pipes.
Toilet Paper Alternatives
Paper towel – a good choice is to use paper towels if you have run out of toilet paper. Once used, they should be tossed in the bin. Don’t throw them in the toilet as they can block your pipes. Paper towels are designed to be hardy even when wet.
Tissues – whilst they are soft, they are not to be flushed down the toilet. They won’t break down and can clog up your toilet. Toss them in the bin after you’ve finished with them.
Napkins – a great alternative to toilet paper but should be thrown in the bin once used. They do not disintegrate like toilet paper because of the way they are manufactured.
Newspaper – use newspaper only if there is no other option for you to use. They can be rough to use and have ink in them. It takes newspapers around 6 weeks to break down so should not be flushed down the toilet.
Baby wipes / wet wipes – the best alternative to use in place of toilet paper as they are easy for you to clean yourself. Throw them in the bin after use. They do not degrade and can clog your pipes. According to Sydney Water, 75% of all sewer blockages is the result of wet wipes!
As stated above, nothing other than toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Everything else that you use as a toilet paper alternative should go in the garbage bin.
Consider Installing a Bidet
Alternatively, having a bidet installed is an option for you to consider. Used in many parts of the world in place of toilet paper, you can use it to rinse your yourself after using the toilet. Water can actually do a better job of cleaning you up. You can save on the money you use on toilet paper.
A bidet system should only be installed by a licensed plumber. Never attempt to install a bidet yourself. Serving the Sutherland Shire, St George Basin, Wollongong and Greater Sydney, OP Plumbing Services are ready to help you out with installing a bidet. Otherwise, if your pipes have become clogged as you’ve used something other than toilet paper, call an emergency plumber today. Call 0417 299 820 for immediate assistance.