Your toilet is designed to handle specific materials, but flushing the wrong things can lead to clogs, backups, and costly repairs. Protecting your plumbing starts with knowing what to keep out of your toilet. Below, we’ll walk you through the key items to avoid flushing and how you can keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
Why Flushing the Wrong Items Is a Big Problem
Flushing inappropriate items doesn't just cause clogs. It can damage pipes, harm septic systems, and even contribute to environmental pollution. Even items labeled "flushable" often don’t break down as they should, leading to blockages in your home’s system or further down the municipal wastewater lines.
Knowing what not to flush can save you from messy, expensive disasters.
Items You Should Never Flush
1. Wet Wipes (Even Flushable Ones)
Wet wipes might seem convenient, but they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. Even wipes marketed as "flushable" often stay intact, creating significant clogs in pipes and pumps.
2. Paper Towels and Tissues
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and tissues are designed to be more durable. This strength prevents them from breaking down in water, causing blockages in your plumbing system.
3. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene items absorb moisture and expand, making them a major culprit for clogs. These products should always go in the trash instead.
4. Cotton Swabs and Cotton Balls
Though small, these items can accumulate in pipes, trapping other debris and leading to clogs over time. Always dispose of them in a trash can.
5. Dental Floss
Dental floss may seem harmless, but it doesn’t decompose. Worse, it can tangle and act like a net that traps other waste, leading to large, stubborn clogs.
6. Grease, Oil, and Food Waste
While you wouldn’t typically flush these down a toilet, it’s worth mentioning. Grease and oil can solidify in pipes, while food waste doesn’t break down quickly enough to pass through systems without causing trouble.
7. Medications
Flushing old medications might seem like a good way to dispose of them, but they can contaminate waterways and harm wildlife. Use proper drug disposal methods instead.
8. Hair
Hair may seem like a minor issue, but it accumulates quickly, creating tangles that block water flow. Always discard loose hair in the garbage.
9. Cleaning Products or Harsh Chemicals
While it might feel logical to pour cleaning solutions down the toilet to keep it fresh, harsh chemicals can damage pipes and disrupt septic system balance. Stick to toilet-safe cleaners.
How to Protect Your Plumbing
Educate Everyone in Your Household
Make sure everyone knows what not to flush. Consider placing a small sign in the bathroom as a helpful reminder.
Use a Trash Can
Having a trash can near the toilet makes it convenient to dispose of non-flushable items properly.
Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections
Preventative maintenance is key to catching small issues before they turn into major problems.
Invest in High-Quality Toilet Paper
Ensure you’re using toilet paper that dissolves easily in water to reduce stress on pipes.
Contact Suffolk Plumbing Inc. for Help
Even with the right habits, plumbing issues can still arise. If you’re dealing with slow drains, clogs, or other plumbing concerns, Suffolk Plumbing Inc. is here to help. Our expert team can ensure your system stays in top condition with professional, reliable solutions.
Don’t wait for a small problem to turn into a disaster. Contact Suffolk Plumbing Inc. today to keep your home’s plumbing safe and efficient!