Plumbin Question

[ACG]

Not knowing where to turn.

Do you flush tampons down your toilet at home?

I do not have a septic tank.

I have had a regular problem and I'm sitting her waiting for plumber. One toilet always gets backed up, it is the toilet closest to the clean out.

75% of the time, hubby can figure it out, it happens so often I'm stumped.

Looking for lots of opinions.

Thanks and Happy Holidays

[Wasp]

Couple cheap fixes come to mind. Have you checked that the roof vents are working properly? And....You could also remove the toilet and check the pipe directly under the toilet is clear. Just remember to replace the wax seal with a new one when you reset the toilet. If those are not causing the problem, try snaking the line.
Is this a single house or a condo? If it's a condo/apt the issue could be further down the pipe.

[malkin]

When I've lived places with sketchy plumbing, I've tossed them in the trash.

[lph]

Maybe plumbing is different here, but here it's an absolute no-no, and considered the best way to clog up a pipe.

The Oslo Water and Sewerage Works actually has a Christmas campaign now, because people tend to flush more food grease and the like down the toilet around Christmas. They've put bright pink covers on some of the manholes, with this on it: "don't feed the rats - only poop, pee and toilet paper in here!"

[OakLeaf]

That old Zappa song comes to mind ...

[ACG]

Update and to answer questions:

I live in a single family home. The toilet is only 4 years old. The house was outfitted with new plumbing in 2004. But yes, we still may replace the toilet.

The plumber shows up, I've known him for 30 years.

He brings in the super duper snake, the kind it takes 2 people to carry.

The sewer was clogged with tampons.

Plumber says, there is a bend in the pipes, from all the toilets to the main line, that is where the clog was. The one toilet is the last stopping point before the bend. He says if/when that toilet starts to bubble, we should snake the line. (we have a snake it is just only about 15 feet)

I show plumber box of tampons, it says on directions, that once you are done with tampon, "remove and flush, or wrap properly and dispose of". The tampons belong to my daughter. He says doesn't matter, the tampons will break down, but not always as fast and as well.

I write a letter to the maker of the tampons, even their website says you can flush. I wasn't very happy with them, it wasn't a pleasant letter.

An hour later, I get a phone call from the maker. They are very sorry, they are going to reimburse my plumbing bill, they e-mailed me all the information to send them the copy of the bill. They are sending me UPS Tags, to send back box of tampons. My daughter doesn't like the idea of not flushing, but she knows not to now.

I am surprised that I got a call so fast! But wow. I hope my plumbing issues are done. Thanks for all your advise.