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Your toilet is one of the most essential fixtures in your home, but it’s not a catch-all disposal system. Flushing the wrong items can cause serious damage to your plumbing system and may lead to costly repairs. To help you avoid these disasters, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on what should never go down your toilet.
Why Flushing the Wrong Things is a Problem
Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—that’s it. Anything else can disrupt the plumbing system, causing blockages, backups, and even damage to your sewer lines. Improper flushing can also harm septic systems, leading to expensive repairs or replacements. By being mindful about what you flush, you can save yourself hassle, time, and money.
Items You Should Never Flush
1. Wet Wipes (Even “Flushable” Ones)
Wet wipes are one of the biggest culprits behind clogged toilets. Even those labeled "flushable" don’t break down like toilet paper does. Instead, they clump together and clog your pipes, leading to stubborn blockages.
2. Paper Towels and Tissues
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and tissues are not designed to dissolve in water quickly. Flushing these items can lead to clogs and strain on your plumbing system.
3. Hygiene Products
Items like tampons, pads, and cotton balls might seem flushable, but they absorb water and expand. This makes them prone to blocking your toilet and pipes.
4. Grease, Fat, or Oils
While this might seem surprising, some homeowners pour grease or oils down the toilet. Don’t do it! Grease solidifies as it cools and can block your pipes or even cause issues further down the sewer system.
5. Dental Floss
Dental floss may be small, but it’s not biodegradable. It can wrap around other debris in your pipes and create significant clogs over time.
6. Medication
Flushing prescription or over-the-counter medications is harmful to your plumbing and the environment. Chemicals can seep into local water supplies, causing contamination.
7. Small Trash Items
Items like cigarette butts, hair, and food scraps should never be flushed. These may seem small enough to go unnoticed, but they accumulate and lead to major plumbing issues.
How to Avoid Plumbing Problems
The best way to prevent clogs and backups is to flush only waste and toilet paper. You can also place a trash can in your bathroom to give family members and guests a place to discard non-flushable items. If you’re dealing with frequent clogs, it may be time to have a professional plumber inspect your pipes for underlying issues.
Contact All Star Plumbing & Rooter for Plumbing Assistance
When it comes to keeping your plumbing in top shape, being mindful of what goes down your toilet is a crucial first step. However, if you’re already facing a plumbing disaster, don’t panic. The professionals at All Star Plumbing & Rooter are here to help! Whether you need assistance with clogged pipes, sewer line issues, or general maintenance, our team has the experience to get the job done right.
Give us a call today to schedule a service and keep your home’s plumbing running smoothly!