Topic Explanation:
The discussion focuses on cost-effective alternatives to colostomy bag liners, specifically suggesting the use of dog poop bags as a cheaper substitute for disposable pouch liners. The original post highlights that these dog poop bags are significantly cheaper than standard colostomy bag liners and are biodegradable. The user explains how to use these bags with a two-piece colostomy system, noting that they should not be used with septic systems.
Extracted Advice and Helpful Insights:
1. Concerns with Non-Standard Liners:
- Non-standard liners like dog poop bags may cause issues such as clogging if the household plumbing has roots or is sluggish, especially with low-flow toilets. It's recommended to be cautious if the home has older plumbing or a septic system.
2. General Experience and Recommendations:
- Some users have successfully used dog poop bags without issues, particularly in city sewer systems.
- Alternatives like nappy sacks are also suggested, which are commonly used in the UK for waste disposal.
3. Understanding the Appeal of Liners:
- Liners can simplify the cleaning process, allowing users to just pull out and dispose of the liner rather than cleaning the bag. This can be particularly appealing for those who find the cleaning process cumbersome.
4. Comparison with Commercial Liners:
- A user shared their experience with both commercial ostomy bag liners and dog poop bags. They found that dog poop bags interfered with the secure connection between the bag and the wafer, causing leaks. Commercial liners, however, provided a reliable seal and allowed for gas to escape without leakage.
- The user emphasized the cost-effectiveness of commercial liners despite their higher price compared to dog poop bags, due to the reduced frequency of changing the entire bag.
5. Plumbing and Maintenance Advice:
- A former plumbing professional advised against flushing anything other than human waste, toilet paper, and urine (the "3 Ps"). They highlighted that many products labeled as flushable do not perform well in real-world plumbing conditions, especially in older or less efficient systems.
- For those with root issues in their plumbing, it was suggested to use a root destroying chemical regularly or salt to permanently address the problem.
6. Practical Issues with Non-Standard Liners:
- One user experienced difficulty in securing the bag properly when attempting to use dog poop bags as liners, indicating potential compatibility issues with certain col
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