Yes, it is bad to flush condoms down your toilet bowl. Don’t do that! Unfortunately, many people are guilty of doing that. Some guys find it appropriate to do the act when they are feeling incredibly naughty, but in reality, we should never do this.
Your plumbing system can be clogged when condoms are flushed down the toilet. It may cost you money to have it fixed. What’s more, it will be embarrassing when your plumber comes to your house only to discover that the cause of the clog is used condoms.
Why It Is Bad to Flush Condoms
Here are some reasons why you should never flush condoms down your toilet:
1. It’s Unsafe for Aquatic Life
Some companies have started producing biodegradable condoms, but many are not. Therefore, since not all condoms are biodegradable, they will take a very long time to decompose, probably decades.
Most latex condoms available today are manufactured with additives that make removing them very difficult. Polyurethane is yet another common material used for making condoms, and it is not biodegradable.
It is not bad to use condoms very often, but how we discard them later is a big concern. Apparently, statistics prove that at least 1 billion condoms are purchased in the United States of America each year.
Imagine if millions of condoms were sold to the people, and more than half of them were disposed of inappropriately. Reaching such a considerable quantity of non-biodegradable materials into our environment isn’t safe at all.
Another reason it isn’t safe to flush condoms into your toilet bowl is that the contents of your toilet may be discharged into the ocean. And since condoms are not biodegradable, they could stay in our waters for a long time. Also, some marine animals may eat condoms as food, which could potentially cause them to die.
You should be aware that most fish come laden with heavy microplastics and metals because of the way we dispose of these non-biodegradable waste materials. So, we’re putting a threat to not only aquatic life but also to human beings as we still consume these fish. You probably won’t have time to check whether the fish you’re eating contains harmful microplastics.
You would cringe at the sight of a used condom lying around. It’s annoying to see a bunch of used condoms in the water, especially when you and your other family members are having a picnic and find some used condoms washed ashore.
2. Your Children May Accidentally Find Them and Start Playing with The Used Condoms
Children love balloons and will waste no time inflating one with air, regardless of its source. Condoms are like air balloons. When you blow some air into a condom, the contents will become like a giant balloon.
It’s very unsafe for you kids to play around with condoms. Leaving a used condom on the side of a toilet can harm them when they find it. And, if you are around to see your children find a used condom, you can help them not to play with it. It’s unsafe for them!
3 Reasons Why Guys Often Flush Condoms into Their Toilet Bowls
So, why do guys often flush condoms down the bowl? There are three main reasons for that:
#1. Ignorance
Some people are unaware that putting condoms in their toilets can cause problems for the plumbing system. Many people do the act because they are unaware that doing that can cause clogs.
#2. It appears to be a good place For Disposal
After the honeymoon exposure, guys feel that the toilet is the most convenient place to dispose of condoms. But hey! Don’t do that! There is a correct way of disposing of it.
#3. To Hide Their Betrayal
Guys don’t wish their girlfriends or wives to find out about their cheating ways since it can cause them their relationships. It can lead to divorce or relationship break-ups. Partners who cheat on their loved ones would rather flush it down into the bowl, hoping their partner won’t notice what happened.
The Ideal Way of Disposing of a Used Condom
It will only take about 5 seconds to dispose the used condom properly. After using a condom, carefully remove the latex material and wrap it in a newspaper, paper bag, or tissue paper. Next, throw the package into the trash.
Wrapping the used condom well before throwing it in the trash is vital because used condoms are disgusting. No one enjoys touching them. If you do not think you can properly dispose of it at the moment, keep it wrapped nicely in tissue paper and then wrap it again in a plastic bag so you can later throw it in the trash can.
Ensure you tie the used condom tightly to prevent spilling out the content and resulting unpleasant odor.
FAQs
Can flushed condoms find their way back into my toilet bowl?
No, but please dispose them in the trash can. Once they are flushed, it’s most likely they’ll cause your sewer pipe to block. When you hire a plumber to do the job, it will be so shameful to recover some used condoms from the pipes.
How do I get to unclog my toilet after flushing condoms down?
Plumbing snakes are flexible and can go down into the toilet and potentially remove any obstruction on their way. Push your plumbing snake down the drainage pipe to the furthest point possible. Next, twist it properly, down and up, or in a circular motion. Do this for approximately 5 minutes. After that, flush your toilet and check whether the clog persists or not.
Is flushing condoms down the toilet illegal?
No, but that does not imply that you flush condoms into your bowl. They may cause more health harm than your think. Also, they will likely block your sewer system.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know it’s a bad idea to flush condoms down your toilet, we do not doubt you’ll ignore and do such an act again, unless you’re are hiding it away from your wife or girlfriend, which is pretty bad. Just remember the consequences that might even later happen. So, go ahead and have a delightful time, and once you’re done enjoying your time with your partner, please deposit your condom correctly.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.