I. Introduction
How many times have you found yourself standing in front of the toilet, staring at clumps of hair in your hand wondering the right way to dispose of them? Is flushing them down the toilet a safe option? This article aims to answer this question and offer alternative solutions for disposing of hair.
II. Why Flushing Hair Down the Toilet is a Bad Idea
One of the most significant reasons for not flushing hair down the toilet is that it can cause clogging of pipes, which can lead to severe plumbing issues. Over time, clumps of hair can accumulate in drainpipes, narrowing them, and causing water to back up into your bathroom or even your neighbor’s plumbing. Fixing these clogs can cost you a lot of money, time and effort involve plumbers and pipe repairs. In some instances, you might have to break down walls, which can incur more expenses. Furthermore, even flushing the hair strands in small amounts can negatively affect the sewer system.
III. The Consequences of Flushing Hair Down the Toilet
Flushing hair down the toilet can lead to several unintended consequences. Hair in the sewage system does not decompose fully, leading to blockages in the piping system, which can cause damage to plumbing. Additionally, hair that ends up in the water filtration system affects the quality of water we depend on for various activities like washing, cooking, or drinking. Having hair in the water supply can cause health hazards like skin irritation, leading to more expenses on medical bills.
IV. What Happens to Hair when you Flush it Down the Toilet?
When you flush hair down the toilet, it does not dissolve or decompose but accumulates to form huge clumps. These epilated hair clumps then combine with other items like wipes, fats oils, and greases pushed into the toilet, forming a hard mass known as a fatberg. These fatbergs block the sewage and drainage system, causing sewage backups, overflows, and health hazards. This blockage can lead to more expenses and time wastage in repairing the sewage system.
V. Is it Environmentally Friendly to Flush Hair down the Toilet?
Flushing hair down the toilet is not environmentally friendly because it can lead to pollution in the water system. This pollution can affect aquatic species living in and around the waterways. The effects of this damage can be long term, leading to damage to the marine ecosystem. Furthermore, the process of removing these pollutants from water can be expensive, time-consuming, and require the use of chemicals and other resources.
VI. Alternatives to Flushing Hair Down the Toilet
Instead of flushing hair down the toilet, there are various eco-friendly ways of disposing of it. One option is to toss hair strands into the garbage bins. Another alternative is composting hair and adding it to your garden, providing nutrients to plants that help improve soil. Donating hair is another environmentally friendly option. Donated hair can be used to make wigs for cancer patients or to clean up oil spills. Recycling hair is also an option and can be used to make fertilizer, animal feed, or even biofuel.
VII. How to Dispose of Hair Responsibly
When disposing of hair, cut it into smaller pieces before throwing it into the bin, as it helps to prevent the strands from clogging the drainpipes. You can also use a lint roller, brush, or comb to help collect the shed hair. Composting hair requires cutting hair into small pieces and adding to the compost pile with the rest of the organic matter. Donating hair to organizations that support cancer patients is a noble cause that can help make a wigs that help them feel more comfortable. Recycling hair requires some research to identify organizations or companies that collect and recycle hair strands in your area.
VIII. Conclusion
In conclusion, flushing hair down the toilet is not a safe, eco-friendly, or cost-effective disposal method. By flushing hair, pipes get blocked, sewage systems damaged, and animals and human beings exposed to health hazards. There are various eco-friendly alternatives to disposing of hair, such as tossing it in the garbage bin, composting, donating, or recycling. We need to take responsibility for our actions when it comes to disposing of our waste to maintain a healthy environment, save money, and prevent plumbing problems.
