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Your toilet is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper—that’s it. Flushing anything else might seem harmless at first, but over time, it can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and lead to expensive repairs. Read on to discover what items should never go down your toilet and how you can prevent plumbing disasters in your home.
Items You Should Never Flush
Wipes of Any Kind
While some wipes claim to be “flushable,” they don’t break down like toilet paper. Baby wipes, makeup wipes, and disinfecting wipes can easily clog pipes and cause blockages in your sewer system.Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and other hygiene products are not meant to be flushed. These items expand in water and can get stuck in your plumbing, leading to major clogs.Cotton Products
Cotton balls, swabs, and pads may seem small, but they don’t disintegrate easily. Instead, they absorb water and clump together in your pipes.Paper Towels and Tissues
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and tissues are not designed to break apart in water. Flushing them can quickly lead to clogs.Dental Floss
Dental floss doesn’t dissolve, and when flushed, it can tangle with other flushed items and form large blockages.Grease, Oils, and Food Waste
Pouring leftover grease or food scraps into your toilet is a recipe for disaster. Grease hardens as it cools, creating sticky blockages in your pipes.Medications
Flushing pills and liquids might seem like a convenient way to dispose of them, but they can contaminate the water supply. Instead, use proper medication disposal methods.
Consequences of Flushing Improper Items
Ignoring what you flush can lead to several serious problems:
Clogs and Overflows
A blocked toilet can back up quickly, resulting in messy and costly repairs. Severe blockages can even damage your plumbing system.Damage to Sewer Lines
Items that don’t break down can accumulate and cause damage to your sewer lines, sometimes requiring expensive repairs or replacements.Environmental Impact
Flushed items that make it past your plumbing system can end up in water treatment facilities, requiring additional effort to remove or, worse, polluting water sources.
Tips for Proper Toilet Use
Educate Your Household
Make sure everyone in your home, including children, knows what can and cannot be flushed. Consider posting a small sign in the bathroom as a reminder.Dispose of Trash in the Bin
Keep a small trash can next to your toilet for items like wipes, hygiene products, and tissues. This will prevent the temptation to flush them.Routine Plumbing Inspections
Scheduling regular inspections can help catch minor issues before they turn into major disasters. A professional plumber can ensure your system stays in optimal condition.
Contact TPR 24/7 for Expert Plumbing Services
Protecting your plumbing system starts with knowing what belongs in your toilet and what doesn’t. If you’re dealing with clogs, backups, or other plumbing concerns, TPR 24/7 is here to help. Our team is available 24/7 to keep your home disaster-free and your plumbing running smoothly. Contact us today and trust your home to the experts!