How to Flush Your Drain

Your clinician will tell you how often to flush your drain

  • Flush your drain with one pre-filled syringe of sterile saline. Record every time you flush it.

  • Before you empty the bag, record the amount and color of the fluid.

  • Try to empty it at the same time each day or when it is 2⁄3 full

  • Empty the bag through its spout and into the toilet. You may want to put a paper towel or clean washable towel under it in case of spills.

  • Do not flip or twist the end of the drainage tube or it may fall out.

If there is a 3-way valve: 

  • Carefully remove the cap on the middle port of the valve. 

  • Clean the port with alcohol.

  • Connect the syringe flush to the middle port without touching it.

  • Turn the valve to point OFF to the drainage bag. 

  • Gently inject the saline into the tube. 

  • Turn the valve to be OFF to the middle port. 

  • Disconnect the empty syringe and throw it away. 

  • Replace the cap.

If the tube is connected directly to the drainage bag (there is no 3-way valve): 

  • Hold the end of the tube stable and disconnect the drainage bag from the tube. You can do this by gently turning it counterclockwise.

  • There is no need to clamp off the tube. 

  • Once disconnected, clean the tip with alcohol.

  • Connect the flush syringe by screwing on to the end of the tube. 

  • Gently inject saline into the tube.

  • Disconnect the flush syringe and throw it away. 

  • Reconnect the drainage bag.