What Happens If You Put Kitty Litter In The Toilet?

If you have a cat, you probably know how annoying it can be to clean the litter box regularly. It can be tempting to take that dirty litter and dump it in the toilet to make the unpleasant job a bit easier, but should you? Even if your cat litter says it’s flushable, there are good reasons not to do so. You might be thinking that flushable cat litter is much more environmentally friendly than the traditional alternative; however, the harm flushable litter can cause to your plumbing—and, on a broader scale, the planet—may be more far-reaching than widely thought.

This new product is definitely less smelly and more convenient than packing up kitty waste in the trash can on a regular basis, it can wreak havoc on your sewage system and send harmful parasites into water treatment plants that aren't equipped for pet waste. Here's the scoop on "flushable" cat litter and why it shouldn't be flushed after all.

What Is Flushable Litter? Flushable litter is often made up of corn, wood, pine, or wheat, so it's biodegradable—if you don't put it in a plastic bag—and, according to its creators, also flushable. The corn and cassava ingredients in some provide excellent odor control without using artificial fragrances, which are common in clay-based litters. Some also clump, making it easier to remove urine and feces. 

Of course, regular, clay or silica based litter should never be flushed into the sewage system. Cat litters are specifically designed to absorb liquids and expand, almost guaranteeing a clog in your plumbing system. While you might not notice a clog after one flush, the litter can build up in the pipes over time. If you flush enough cat litter down the toilet, you will likely have to shell out thousands of dollars to repair the damaged pipes, not to mention the amount of time and work it will take for plumbers to expose the lines and switch them out. Bottom line, just don’t do it. It’s not environmentally friendly at all and risks plumbing and sewage system problems beyond your home.

Need help with a plumbing problem, clog or leak? Our team can help, contact PipeMasters at info@pipemasters.ca or call (289) 404-9063 right away for a quick and efficient repair. Pipemasters is part of Oakridge Plumbing Ontario Ltd. and serves the East GTA, Durham Region, North to Lindsay & Peterborough, out to Cobourg and all points in between. All Rights Reserved.