# Can I flush hair? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 28, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877 "2009-05-28T00:51:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/1 "2009-05-28T00:51:55Z")
Since my marriage, I’ve been struggling with the amount of hair collecting in the bath plug, and, well, all over the bathroom really (anywhere my dear lady wife chooses to comb her hair). It’s a pain in the ass to collect and dispose of. It would be a lot easier if it could just throw it in the toilet and flush it. Can I do that? I get notices that I’m not supposed to flush anything except bodily fluids and toilet paper. Would hair block the toilet the same way it blocks the bath and the sink? ---
**Author:** ![salinqmind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/3ec8ea/32.png) [@salinqmind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/salinqmind)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/2 "2009-05-28T01:20:45Z")
Why doesn’t your wife clean out the drains with a piece of toilet paper or paper towel? I do this and chuck it in the wastebasket. Takes less than 10 seconds. Any other hairs on the floor get swept or vacuumed up. ---
**Author:** ![Snnipe\_70E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@Snnipe\_70E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snnipe_70E)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/3 "2009-05-28T01:27:07Z")
If it catches on anything in the drain it (and some probably will) will cause trouble sometime in the future. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/4 "2009-05-28T01:30:43Z")
Are you on a city sewer sysem or a septic system? Are you in a single family house, a high rise, or a 2-3 story apartment building? How old is your building? How old is your toilet? How many people use it how much per day? What is the general condition of your plumbing? How much trouble has it been? These will help somebody provide a more personalized answer to your pretty general question The short version is a little hair is not an issue for a well-functioning modern system. A hefty handful of hair a day will clog all but the most potent systems eventually, and will kill typical 1930s plumbing in just a few days. All else equal, septic systems are more likely to have problems than city systems. And you’re more likely to get to pay for them too. Big, quality multifamily construction (e.g. 20 story luxo condo) is generally more clog resistant than single family houses of the same era, but cheapo construction wood-frame apartments & duplexes are generally less clog resistant than single family. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/5 "2009-05-28T01:37:04Z")
As I understand it, the most common plumbing clogs are hair and grease based. While it will take a lot longer to plug up the toilet plumbing than the sink, it’s still not a great idea. Plus, every solid thing you flush has to be filtered out before the water is treated. The treatment plants are set up for toilet paper and human waste, but apparently even food waste taxes their system unduly or can back up the common pipes away from your house. Hair is specifically mentioned on the City of Tacoma’s list of [Things Not To Flush](http://www.cityoftacoma.org/Page.aspx?hid=1471). ---
**Author:** ![Jamicat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c67d28/32.png) [@Jamicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jamicat)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/6 "2009-05-28T01:55:28Z")
> [@](#): > > ``` > * disposable diapers > * tampons > * cotton balls and swabs > * mini or maxi pads > * unused medications (put original containers in a plastic, zip-lock bag and throw the bag in the trash) > * condoms > * cleaning wipes of any kind > * facial tissue > * bandages and bandage wrappings > * Dilithium crystals > * The Presidential Football > * The Contents of "Joe's Garage" > > ``` Wasn’t this shit taught in grade school at one point in time…or did it all just seem too obvious to me what not to flush the whole time? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/7 "2009-05-28T02:34:00Z")
> [@acsenray](#): > > It’s a pain in the ass to collect and dispose of. It would be a lot easier if it could just throw it in the toilet and flush it. Huh? How have you disposed of it that’s a pain? I don’t get how throwing it in the toilet **and flushing** is easier than throwing it in a trash basket. ---
**Author:** ![Casserole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b77776/32.png) [@Casserole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Casserole)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/8 "2009-05-28T03:28:34Z")
I’ve always wondered why we weren’t allowed to flush facial tissue down the toilet… is that stuff non-biodegradable or something? I’d think it and TP were made of the same material (that is… paper and pulp). I’ll also admit I’ve used kleenex in the bathroom when I was in a bind. Heh. ---
**Author:** ![Darryl\_Lict](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7cd45c/32.png) [@Darryl\_Lict](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darryl_Lict)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/9 "2009-05-28T03:32:50Z")
> [@Gary\_T](#): > > Huh? How have you disposed of it that’s a pain? I don’t get how throwing it in the toilet **and flushing** is easier than throwing it in a trash basket. Exactly. Pull it together dude, throw it in the damn trash. A clogged sewer line is pretty much a bummer. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/10 "2009-05-28T04:02:58Z")
> [@Casserole](#): > > I’ve always wondered why we weren’t allowed to flush facial tissue down the toilet… is that stuff non-biodegradable or something? I’d think it and TP were made of the same material (that is… paper and pulp). Not quite. From [here](http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/08/22/2003421068): “…toilet paper is made mainly from wood pulp, it breaks down easily in water, while facial tissue contains both wood pulp and paper additives, such as wet-strength agents, which means that it does not break down as easily…” And from [here](http://www.kleenex.com/NA/FAQ.aspx) (scroll to bottom): “Kleenex® tissue is made with biodegradable cellulose fibers. Because the tissue is made with an additive to make it strong, it will not break down as rapidly as bathroom tissue.” Facial tissue needs to hold up to sneezes and snot. Toilet paper needs to dissolve readily. Thus they are formulated differently, even though they may feel nearly identical. ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/11 "2009-05-28T04:15:36Z")
I’m just in awe of (and a little in love with) a GUY who’s concerned about getting rid of the hair in the bathroom. We would be great roommates! Does your wife know how lucky she is? ---
**Author:** ![Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@Sleeps\_With\_Butterflies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sleeps_With_Butterflies)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/12 "2009-05-28T04:19:48Z")
Throwing it in the trash = no problems encountered Flushing it = maybe a clog = eventual shitspolsion someday = not worth it ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/13 "2009-05-28T04:27:48Z")
> [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](#): > > I’m just in awe of (and a little in love with) a GUY who’s concerned about getting rid of the hair in the bathroom. We would be great roommates! Does your wife know how lucky she is? That’s what I’m thinking. In my experience, each individual is responsible for disposing of their own hair (except for the cats; they just refuse to cooperate). ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/14 "2009-05-28T12:56:15Z")
Don’t flush hair. Hair, especially when mixed with grease, is great at clogging pipes. It also tangles up in pump impellers. It does not readily break down at the wastewater treatment plants, either, particularly when compared to human waste. Remember, toilets have a specific purpose. They are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. They are not trash cans. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/15 "2009-05-28T13:06:37Z")
Why is throwing it in the garbage is not desirable. It’s not going to build up and plug the waste can. ---
**Author:** ![Philster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/13edae/32.png) [@Philster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philster)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/16 "2009-05-28T13:14:55Z")
> [@salinqmind](#): > > Why doesn’t your wife clean out the drains with a piece of toilet paper or paper towel? I do this and chuck it in the wastebasket. Takes less than 10 seconds. Any other hairs on the floor get swept or vacuumed up. How is it that no one has pounced on the first sentence of this post? ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/17 "2009-05-28T13:20:07Z")
> [@Philster](#): > > How is it that no one has pounced on the first sentence of this post? The OP said the problem has been occurring “Since my marriage”, implying that it’s his spouse’s hair that’s showing up in the drain. It’s not unreasonable to expect the supplier of the hair to be the one to clean it. Unless he meant that his own hair has been falling out since he got married. In which case he’s got bigger problems than a clogged drain. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/18 "2009-05-28T14:30:15Z")
> [@Philster](#): > > How is it that no one has pounced on the first sentence of this post? Because it’s her hair? Or at least, it’s falling where she brushes her hair, so… ---
**Author:** ![gigi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a587f6/32.png) [@gigi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gigi)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/19 "2009-05-28T14:40:28Z")
> [@Jamicat](#): > > Wasn’t this shit taught in grade school at one point in time…or did it all just seem too obvious to me what not to flush the whole time? :dubious: I admit I thought it was safer to flush unused meds than leave them available in the trash, especially nicely protected in a zip-loc bag. And I really didn’t know it wasn’t Ok to flush condoms–that seemed like the best thing to do with them. ---
**Author:** ![robby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robby/32/11048_2.png) [@robby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robby)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2009, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877/20 "2009-05-28T14:54:45Z")
> [@gigi](#): > > I admit I thought it was safer to flush unused meds than leave them available in the trash, especially nicely protected in a zip-loc bag. And I really didn’t know it wasn’t Ok to flush condoms–that seemed like the best thing to do with them. Nope. Condoms also clog pump impellors, and don’t degrade at all. They are a real pain to deal with. They have to be screened out at the treatment plant and landfilled. Unused meds used to be acceptable to flush until it was found that the meds were not being removed at the treatment plants, and were therefore being released into the environment. The compounds in the meds can be harmful to aquatic life, and can even make it into drinking water sources. Both condoms and unused meds should be disposed of in the trash. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-flush-hair/497877.md?page=2)