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BackTable / Urology / Article
How to Flush a Foley Catheter
Bryant Schmitz • Updated Sep 19, 2025 • 11.1k hits
Foley catheters are commonly used to help drain urine from the bladder, especially for patients who are unable to urinate without intervention. However, Foley catheters can become clogged with debris, mucus, or blood clots, which may cause discomfort or prevent proper drainage. Flushing a Foley catheter helps to clear these obstructions and ensures that the catheter continues to drain urine effectively. In cases where urine output decreases or there is discomfort or resistance when irrigating, catheter flushing may be required to restore normal function. Learning how to flush a Foley catheter with normal saline, sterile water, or other solutions can also help reduce infection risk and minimize complications. This article reviews how to flush a Foley catheter, including recommended solutions, flushing frequency, and the key steps involved.
Table of Contents
(1) How to Flush a Foley Catheter
(2) What to Flush a Foley Catheter With
(3) How Often to Flush a Foley Catheter
(4) Flushing a Foley Catheter at Home
(5) Conclusion
How to Flush a Foley Catheter
Flushing a Foley catheter should be performed in a sterile or aseptic environment to minimize infection risk. Follow these steps for proper flushing technique:
1. Prepare your supplies: Gather a sterile syringe (10-30 mL), an appropriate flushing solution (normal saline, sterile water, or acetic acid), and sterile gloves if necessary.
2. Position the patient: Ensure the patient is positioned comfortably, with the catheter easily accessible. It’s important to clean the insertion site before handling the catheter.
3. Clean the catheter port: Use an antiseptic wipe to clean the catheter’s flushing port to prevent contamination.
4. Attach the syringe: Fill the syringe with the flushing solution and connect t it to the catheter port.
5. Flush the catheter: Gently inject the solution into the catheter. Do not force the solution if you encounter resistance. If resistance is felt, stop and assess for potential issues, such as clotting or catheter malposition.
6. Observe urine flow: Once the solution is flushed, check that urine starts flowing freely again. If the flow remains obstructed, further investigation may be required.
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What to Flush a Foley Catheter With
The solution used to flush the Foley catheter depends on the patient’s condition and the reason for flushing. Common solutions include:
• Normal saline: Normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) is the most commonly used solution for flushing because it is safe, non-irritating, and compatible with the body’s fluids. It is typically used for general maintenance and to clear small blockages.
• Sterile water: Sterile water can also be used, although it may cause slight irritation in some patients due to its lack of electrolytes. It is generally used when saline is not available or if recommended by the physician.
• Acetic acid: In cases where long-term catheter use causes encrustation or biofilm buildup, diluted acetic acid may be used as a flushing solution. Acetic acid can help break down mineral deposits and reduce the risk of blockages.
• Other solutions: Occasionally, specialized solutions may be prescribed for flushing based on the patient’s individual needs. For example, an antibiotics or antiseptic solution may be used if an infection is suspected.
How Often to Flush a Foley Catheter
The frequency of flushing a Foley catheter depends on the patient's condition and the purpose of the catheter. In general:
• For routine care, flushing the catheter every 4-6 hours may be sufficient to ensure proper function and prevent blockages.
• If a blockage or obstruction is noticed, flushing should be done immediately to clear the catheter.
• For long-term catheter users, especially those at risk for encrustation or infection, more frequent flushing may be required, potentially several times a day.
Flushing a Foley Catheter at Home
Patients with chronic catheterization may need to perform flushing outside of the hospital setting. Caregivers and patients should be instructed in proper technique to reduce infection risk. Key steps include:
• Always wash hands thoroughly before handling the catheter.
• Use sterile equipment and follow recommended flushing procedures to prevent infection.
• If flushing does not resolve the issue, or if signs of infection) appear (fever, redness, increased pain, contact a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
• If a patient is unsure of the technique or the appropriate solution to use, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance.
Conclusion
Foley catheter flushing supports drainage, patient comfort, and infection prevention. Using the appropriate solution, maintaining sterility, and flushing at appropriate intervals can reduce complications such as obstruction and infection. Clear patient & caregiver education on how to flush a Foley catheter, both in clinical settings and at home, is essential for safe long-term management.
Additional resources:
Manual and Continuous Bladder Irrigation: Best Practices. Nursing 2023. 2023;53(5):24-30. doi:10.1097/01.NURSE.0000837385.00000.00.
Standardizing Practice for Intermittent Irrigation of Indwelling Urinary Catheters. J Nurs Care Qual. 2017;32(3):208-214. doi:10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000260.
Efficacy of Bladder Irrigation in Preventing Urinary Tract Infections in Critically Ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Am J Infect Control. 2018;46(6):644-649. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2018.03.024.
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Cite This Podcast
BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2023, December 27). Ep. 144 – Recurrent UTIs: Controlling Those Nasty Little Bladder Infections [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.
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