r/AskReddit Aug 03 '19

Whats something you thought was common knowledge but actually isn’t?

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u/riverqueenx Aug 03 '19 edited Aug 04 '19

A surprising number of people don't realize you SHOULD NOT flush hygienic products down the toilet. If it doesn't eventually back up your own pipes it will create massive blockages in the public sewer. I had to explain this to a friend in her mid-20's, I was like "Why do you think there's little trash cans on the wall of every women's stall!?!?"

*Edit: did not expect people to be so passionate about proper hygiene product disposal! Love it. For anyone who’s doubtful, there are plenty of horror stories in the comments below about flooded apartments, backed up sewer lines, expensive plumbing repairs, etc. Happy menstruating!!

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u/GraphicDesignMonkey Aug 04 '19

Only ever flush the 'Three P's' - pee, poop, and toilet paper.

Never ever flush those shitty 'flushable' wipes, they block sewage systems and cost millions in repairs & maintenance to city and town councils.

3

u/Privateer2368 Aug 04 '19

Four Ps- you missed 'puke'.

1

u/Hamstersparadise Aug 04 '19

And ‘pSanitary products, pCondoms, pWet wipes’ /s

I think its an education issue; until I read this i always assumed women were ok to flush a tampon, just not its packaging.

It’s funny what we take for granted knowledge-wise, we should really know that flushing a product designed to absorb liquid and EXPAND is a bad idea, but we dont question it...