Out of sight, out of mind, as the saying goes! But when it comes to flushing things down your toilet, what you no longer see can cause some big problems for your plumbing system.
Here are 10 things that are often flushed down toilets and shouldn’t be:
1. Wipes
Even though they are marketed as “flushable” and seem convenient, they don’t break down easily in your plumbing and can get stuck in the bends and turns of the system. A few wipes can build up to a major sewage issue.
2. Hair
Putting strands of hair down the toilet can lead to a hairy situation. Hair leads to some of the worst plumbing clogs as it sticks to the inside of pipes over time.
3. Dental Floss
Good for you for following your dentist’s orders! Flossing your teeth is a great practice, but tossing the floss in the toilet is a no-no. In addition to clogging up your plumbing system, it can also cause environmental issues.
4. Medications
Unused or expired medications should never be disposed of down the toilet, no matter what you see in the movies. The drugs can cause water quality issues that affect public health and the environment. Instead, turn to local programs to safely dispose of unused prescriptions.
5. Paper Towels
Much like the wipes issue, paper towels don’t break down like toilet paper and can create clogs.
6. Diapers
You’re in the right ballpark, but diapers are for those who can’t use the toilet — it’s not a vehicle to put what’s found in them into the bowl. Diapers are highly absorbent and non-biodegradable, so they are made to expand and hold together. They don’t belong in the toilet and will quickly clog your pipes.
7. Condoms
Most are made from latex, a material that won’t disintegrate in water. A clog caused by a condom could be an embarrassing fix.
8. Cotton Balls
They are useful little puffs for removing makeup but not at all useful down the toilet. Cotton balls are difficult to pull apart by hand — similarly, they don’t easily break down in your plumbing system. They may have a variety of uses, but don’t put them down your pipes.
9. Feminine Products
Pads and tampons expand to maximize absorbency, making them more likely to clog your sewer line than break down as intended.
10. Bandages
Lots of shaving mishaps happen in the bathroom, but before you remove that bandage and toss it in the toilet, think of that sticky adhesive in your pipes. Bandages are also made from plastic, which is why they won’t break down in your system.
Turn to Neffsville Plumbing When You Flush Something You Shouldn’t Have
Simply put, the only things that should go down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper. If anything from our top 10 list has been tossed down your commode, Neffsville Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Services is here to help.
We’ve handled countless toilet mishaps before. Whether you need drain cleaning or sewer line repair, we are ready to help so you can flush with ease. Contact us online or call (717) 625-1000 today!
