5 Things You Should Never Flush Down the Toilet
Some people think that a toilet is like a garbage disposal—that it can handle all types of waste. Unfortunately, this isn’t true! Apart from human waste and toilet paper, there are several other items you should avoid flushing down the toilet. Doing so can cause a plumbing disaster in your home or commercial building. Here are five things to never flush down the toilet:
1. Baby Wipes
Although marketed as “flushable”, baby wipes do not break down easily and can cause clogs in your pipes. This can result in sewer blockages, backups, and very costly repairs.
2. Feminine Hygiene Products
Sanitary napkins, tampons, and other feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down a toilet. These products don’t break down in water like toilet paper, which can clog pipes and cause serious damage to your plumbing system.
3. Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs are another item that should never be flushed as they can also cause clogs in your pipes. Cotton swabs should be disposed of in a trash bin.
4. Medications
Flushing medications down the toilet can be dangerous as they may contaminate local water supplies and put wildlife at risk. To dispose of medications, check with your local pharmacy or police station for proper disposal methods.
5. Paper Towels
Although similar to toilet paper, paper towels are highly absorbent and often made from different materials. Paper towels do not break down easily as toilet paper and can block your pipes causing extensive damage to your plumbing system.
To keep your plumbing system functioning efficiently, steer clear of disposing of any items listed above down the toilet. Doing so will help you save time and money in the long run.
Use a Trash Bin
To ensure that none of these items end up in your toilet, make sure to keep them stored in a secure location away from your bathroom. Place a trash bin next to your toilet and remind everyone in your home to use it for items like paper towels, wipes, diapers, and hygiene products. Additionally, make sure unused medications are properly disposed of according to your city’s guidelines. To avoid any health hazards and prevent these items from entering the water supply or your toilet, make sure to properly dispose of them.
Contact a Professional
If you experience a plumbing emergency or have any questions about what is safe to flush, it’s best to contact a professional plumber for advice and assistance. They can help you resolve your issue as quickly and efficiently as possible.
How to Unclog a Toilet
If you’re experiencing a clog in your toilet, the best way to unclog it is to use a plunger or an auger. Make sure not to add any chemical drain cleaners as they can damage your pipes and cause harm to your health. If the clog persists or worsens, contact a professional plumber for assistance.
In conclusion, understanding what should and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet is essential in order to keep your plumbing system running smoothly. By avoiding flushing items like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, cotton swabs, medications, and paper towels, you can help prevent costly repairs or replace in the future. If you experience a plumbing emergency, contact a professional plumber for assistance.
