Let me tell you, I've learned some hard lessons about what you can and can't flush down the toilet. It all started with a seemingly innocent purchase of "flushable" wipes. I thought I was being responsible and hygienic, but boy, was I wrong! This simple decision led to a plumbing nightmare, and I'm here to share my experience and hopefully save you from the same fate. Plus, I'll share how I'm taking care of my eyes after spending hours researching this mess!
So, I started using these "flushable" wipes, thinking they were just like toilet paper, only better. I mean, the packaging said "flushable," right? Everything seemed fine for a while, but then the problems started. Slow drains, gurgling sounds, and eventually, a completely clogged toilet. It was a disaster! I had to call a plumber, and the bill was…well, let's just say it wasn't pretty.
The plumber explained to me that "flushable" wipes are anything but. He showed me what he'd pulled out of my pipes – a tangled mess of wipes that hadn't broken down at all. That's when I started digging deeper to understand why these wipes were causing so much trouble.
I discovered that the key difference between toilet paper and these wipes lies in their composition. Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly when it gets wet. Think about it – if you soak toilet paper in water, it pretty much falls apart. This is crucial because our sewer systems rely on this breakdown to function properly. The pumps and machines in the treatment facility are designed to handle paper that disintegrates easily.
Flushable wipes, on the other hand, are designed to be strong and durable, even when wet. This means they don't break down in the sewer system. Instead, they clump together, causing blockages and putting a strain on the entire system. In severe cases, these clogs can lead to sewage backups and costly repairs. The plumber showed me some gruesome examples – I definitely got the message.
I even did a little experiment myself. I put some toilet paper in a bottle, half-filled it with water, and shook it. Then, I did the same with a "flushable" wipe. The toilet paper dissolved almost immediately, while the wipe stayed intact. It was a visual confirmation of everything the plumber had told me.
After that plumbing incident, I immediately stopped using "flushable" wipes. It wasn't worth the risk of another costly repair. I switched back to regular toilet paper and haven't had any problems since. I also started using a bidet attachment for a more thorough clean. It's a game-changer!
All this research and staring at screens took a toll on my eyes. I found myself getting headaches and experiencing eye strain, especially in the evenings. A friend recommended blue light glasses, and after doing some research, I decided to give them a try. I found a pair at Mozaer Fashion and decided to order them.
I ended up purchasing the iboode Ultralight Anti Blue Light Ray Computer Reading Glasses from Mozaer. I chose the red ones because I like a pop of color.
They're surprisingly lightweight, and I've noticed a significant reduction in eye strain and headaches since I started wearing them while working on my computer. It’s a small investment for a big improvement in comfort.
Here are some tips I've learned to keep your plumbing system happy and healthy: