While toilets are a tremendous convenience for disposing of human waste, they are not ideal for disposing of other materials. Certain household goods can clog drain pipes, taint the water system, or even harm the environment if flushed instead of thrown in the garbage.
Your pipes are just four inches in diameter at their widest point, according to the public utility provider American Water, thus even little, seemingly innocuous objects can result in serious plumbing issues. It can cost hundreds of dollars to hire a professional to snake your clogged drain, not to mention the cost of fixing any water damage from an overflowing toilet. Use these guidelines to determine what may and cannot go down the drain to avoid a plumbing emergency—and an expensive charge.
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Things You Should Never Flush Down The Toilet
“Flushable” Wipes
According to American Water, flushable wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, despite what the packaging may say. The slow decomposition rate of these wipes makes them prone to being lodged in drains and clogging them. Wipes should be disposed of in your bathroom’s lined trash bin.
Paper tissues and towels
Paper towels and facial tissues are not a good replacement for toilet paper if you run out (at least not for your drain). These paper goods are more likely to clog your pipes because they were made to absorb water rather than dissolve in it like toilet paper does. Paper towels and tissues should always be disposed of in the trash rather than the toilet.
Too Much Toilet Paper
Using too much toilet paper is not only wasteful but can also cause serious plumbing problems. Big rolls of toilet paper are challenging to flush and can quickly clog little pipes. Use only what you need the next time you visit the bathroom to avoid any issues with the toilet.
Cotton Balls, Rounds, or Swabs
Swabs, cotton balls, and rounds may appear small enough to flush, but inside your pipes, they can create serious issues. These cotton goods tend to accumulate inside pipelines instead of dissolving in the water when flushed. Blockages and even bent or broken pipes may arise from this.
can cause toilet water to overflow and back up and into the sewer or septic system. Always throw away feminine products in the garbage for safety.
Dental Floss
Dental floss, which is often composed of nylon or Teflon, accumulates over time if flushed and does not dissolve easily in water. American Water claims that the floss can cling to other objects flushed after it, forming bigger clumps that can obstruct pipes and sewers. Throw away your floss after brushing and flossing your teeth.
Hair
Like dental floss, losing hair down the drain might lead to more serious issues in the future. Hair tends to adhere to the interior of pipes, causing accumulation and eventual blockages. Keep big hair clumps out of the toilet and cover your sink and shower drains with drain covers.
Bandages
When bandages are flushed down the toilet, non-biodegradable plastic can contaminate water systems. The greater the blockage, the more things the sticky adhesive can stick to. Bandages should be disposed away in a garbage bin to avoid these problems.
Fats, Oils, or Grease
Food should never be flushed down the toilet, but grease, oils, and fats can cause particular problems for drains. These substances may begin as liquids, but they can solidify and adhere to the inside of your pipes. This may obstruct by preventing other objects from passing. Let fats, oils, and grease cool fully and harden after cooking before discarding the leftovers.
Cigarette Butts
Another waste product that can damage wildlife and introduce potentially dangerous chemicals into the water system is cigarettes. Furthermore, after flushing, cigarette butts don’t always disappear, leaving the next person using the restroom with an unpleasant surprise. Place cigarettes in the garbage after making sure they are safely extinguished.
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