Can I Flush Contact lenses Down the Toilet? – Consequences, Fixes, and Expert Advice

Environmental Impact of Flushing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses may seem small and harmless, but when flushed down the toilet, they become contributors to environmental pollution. These lenses are made of plastic polymers and are designed not to degrade quickly. As a result, when you flush them, the lenses can find their way through sewage systems and eventually into natural waterways. Over time, they break into tiny microplastics, negatively impacting aquatic life and water quality. Fish and other marine organisms may mistakenly consume these microplastics, which can then enter the food chain, ultimately reaching humans as well.

Impact on Plumbing Systems

When contact lenses are flushed down the toilet, they don't always smoothly travel through drainage pipes. These small, flexible lenses stick easily to fats, oils, debris, and other particles inside plumbing systems. Gradually, this accumulation can form larger clogs or cause obstructions. Over time, such blockages can lead to issues, slowing drainage and eventually causing plumbing backups or overflow, requiring professional plumbing intervention, especially in older plumbing infrastructure often found in cities like St Louis and Nashville.

Potential Damage to Wastewater Treatment Facilities

Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to filter out and remove small plastic particles effectively. Contact lenses that make it through your home's drainpipes can eventually reach municipal treatment plants. At these facilities, lenses slip through filtration systems and end up in natural bodies of water. Alternatively, they can build up along filtration equipment and water-handling components, causing wear and tear or reduced efficiency of treatment facilities.

Proper Disposal Recommendations

Instead of flushing contact lenses down the toilet, the safest and most environmentally responsible option is to dispose of them properly. To do this:

• Place used contact lenses directly into the trash, ideally in a small container or wrapped in tissue.
• Check if your contact lens manufacturer has recycling or disposal programs for old lenses and packaging to reduce your environmental footprint.
• Avoid tossing lenses down drains, toilets, or sinks to keep waterways and plumbing systems protected.

By responsibly disposing of your contact lenses, you minimize environmental pollution risks and contributing factors that cause home plumbing issues or damage municipal wastewater infrastructure.

 
Identify and Inspect the Clog
 

If you've accidentally flushed contact lenses down the toilet, your first step is to inspect and understand the severity of the clog. While individual lenses are small and flexible, multiple contacts or lenses caught along other debris can build up and create obstruction in the toilet trap or drain line. Inspect your toilet carefully to determine whether it's fully clogged or draining slowly.

 
Use a High-Quality Plunger to Dislodge the Contacts
 

Often, contact lenses that become trapped in your toilet can be dislodged quickly with a proper plunging technique. Choose a quality toilet plunger with a flange for the best seal and performance.

• Place the plunger into the bottom of the toilet bowl so that it completely covers the drain opening.
• Press firmly down and then pull upward swiftly, trying not to break the seal formed by the plunger around the drain.
• Repeat plunging action about 10-15 times. Be patient and confident but avoid excessive force to prevent damaging the toilet fixture itself.
• Check periodically to see if water starts flowing normally—this indicates the contacts have moved downstream or completely cleared from the pipe.

 
Manual Retrieval of Contact Lenses with a Plumbing Snake or Auger
 

If plunging the toilet doesn't clear the clog, the next option is manually extracting the lenses using a plumbing snake, also known as a toilet auger. This specialized plumbing tool has a flexible cable designed to reach clogs deep within the toilet bowl or drain pipes.

• Position the auger head inside the drain hole of the toilet bowl and gently feed the cable through until you meet resistance.
• Rotate the handle clockwise while applying gentle pressure, allowing the auger to either break down the clog or hook onto your flushed contact lenses.
• Once resistance decreases or you believe the lenses are hooked, pull back the auger slowly, extracting the contacts or breaking apart any blockage present.
• Flush the toilet water afterward to check if the water flows freely. If necessary, repeat the procedure again.

 
Try an Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaner
 

If plungers and plumbing snakes cannot solve the issue, an enzyme-based drain cleaner can be a preferable option. These cleaners contain naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes formulated specifically to dissolve organic materials, including contact lenses, without damaging your plumbing.

• Select an enzyme-based drain cleaning product safe for toilets, available in hardware or plumbing specialty stores.
• Carefully follow the manufacturer's instruction to apply the product. Usually, you will pour a measured amount and allow it to sit for several hours or overnight.
• Flush the toilet thoroughly in the morning or after waiting period to see if the clog clears.
• Avoid harsh chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes and toilet seals and may cause safety concerns.

 
Call Professional Plumbing Technicians for Persistent Clogs
 

If the methods listed above remain unsuccessful, contact lenses might have lodged further down in the toilet line, beyond the reach of a snake or regular home plumbing tools. In this situation, it is advisable to hire a professional plumber. Professional plumbers possess the advanced equipment necessary, including drain inspection cameras, hydro jetting machines, and tools for safely removing stubborn clogs without damaging the toilet or surrounding plumbing fixtures.

Residents or business owners in cities such as St Louis or Nashville may easily find reputable providers known for excellent plumbing services. Local businesses like Hoffmann Brothers in these cities offer comprehensive solutions and expert assessments for plumbing problems, including toilets clogged by accidental flushes of contact lenses or similar obstructions.

 
Prevent Future Clogs by Properly Disposing of Contact lenses
 

To avoid clogs related to contact lenses, ensure correct disposal methods. Rather than flushing lenses down the drain or toilet, place them in the household trash, ensuring they cannot escape into waterways. Proper disposal helps maintain your plumbing system in optimal condition, prevents recurrence, and contributes to protecting environmental wellbeing.