Homeowners everywhere need to be aware of the dangers of flushing certain items down their toilets. Even though it may seem like a convenient way to dispose of unwanted items, flushing them can cause serious plumbing issues and costly repairs.
From paper towels to dental floss, there are many everyday household items that homeowners should never make their way into your toilet bowl.
In this article, we’ll discuss some common things you shouldn’t flush down your toilet and why. Read on for more information about how to properly care for your home’s plumbing system!
Visit this website if you want to learn about the causes of clogged toilets.
8 Things You Shouldn’t Flush Down Your Toilet
Toilets may be made to dispose of certain types of waste, but that doesn’t mean you can flush anything down your toilet. If you want to keep your toilet in good shape for the foreseeable future, you should avoid flushing these items down your toilet:
1. Paper Towels
Homeowners should never flush paper towels down the toilet as they are too thick and can cause clogs in pipes or septic tanks, leading to costly repairs.
2. Dental Floss
Dental floss is an essential part of oral health care, but should never be flushed down the toilet as it can become tangled around pipes and create blockages.
3. Feminine Hygiene Products
Sanitary napkins, tampons, and applicators should not be flushed because they do not break down easily enough in the water and will often create clogs in plumbing systems or septic tanks.
4. Kitty Litter
Even if it’s labeled flushable, kitty litter should never be put into your home’s plumbing system as it absorbs liquids and expands quickly when wet – both of which contribute heavily to a potential clog or pipe damage over time!
5. Wipes
Disposable wipes may advertise themselves as being ‘flushable’ but most contain plastic fibers that don’t break down quickly enough to avoid creating a problem with your plumbing system over time!
6. Diapers and Sanitary Items
This is one of the most common things that homeowners mistakenly flush down their toilet but, like paper towels and napkins, these products can lead to costly plumbing issues due to their thickness and size.
7. Cotton Swabs and Balls
Cotton swabs might seem small enough to fit through any pipes, but they tend to stick together when wet which means you could end up with an expensive clog on your hands!
8. Hair
Hair is another item that tends to stick together when wet creating serious problems with your plumbing system so it’s best kept out of the toilet altogether! Instead, consider composting the hair for an eco-friendly option.
3 Things That You Can Flush Down Your Toilet Without Damaging It
As mentioned earlier, there are a number of things that you can flush down your toilet without harming it. These items include:
1. Toilet Paper
Homeowners should always remember to flush toilet paper down the toilet as it is designed to break apart quickly and easily in the water, avoiding any plumbing issues or clogs from forming.
2. Human Waste and Urine
Homeowners can safely flush both human waste and urine down their toilets without worrying about any damage being done to their plumbing systems!
3. Water-Soluble Detergents
Homeowners should be sure that only products labeled ‘water-soluble’ are flushed down their drains since those are safe for septic tanks and won’t cause any harm when washed away into local waterways!
Risks and consequences of flushing these items
Flushing inappropriate items down the toilet can cause a lot of damage and blockages, resulting in costly repairs and even health risks. Items like baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, and even dental floss may seem harmless, but they can cause significant issues if flushed.
When these items are flushed, they can cause blockages in pipes and sewage systems, leading to overflowing and potentially unsanitary conditions. Additionally, some items can’t break down in water, and over time, they can accumulate and cause clogs that are difficult to remove.
Moreover, flushing these items can harm the environment by contaminating water sources and negatively impacting marine life. Improper disposal can also contribute to water pollution, making it dangerous for humans and animals alike.
It is also important to remember that toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. By avoiding flushing inappropriate items, we can avoid costly repairs, protect the environment, and keep ourselves safe and healthy.
Who Can You Call if There’s a Problem with Your Toilet?
Who should you contact if something happens to your toilet after you flush something down it? A plumber!
Professional plumbers are your best bet if you need to fix your toilet or any other aspect of your plumbing system.
Additionally, there are a number of benefits that come with opting for a professional plumber. Some of these benefits include:
- Avoid costly repairs
- To prevent further damage to the plumbing system
- To diagnose and address any underlying issues that may be causing the toilet problems
- Ensure proper maintenance of the toilet and its parts
- To check for root intrusions or other blockages in pipes leading to the toilet
- To determine if there is a broken seal or cracked bowl that needs repair
- For expert advice on what type of replacement parts are needed, if any
- If you suspect your home’s sewer line has been damaged from roots or flooding events
- If you need help unclogging a severely backed-up drain line
- To inspect and test water pressure levels in order to identify any potential problems with drainage efficiency
Never Flush These 8 Things Down Your Toilet — Conclusion
Homeowners should always be careful about what they flush down the toilet in order to avoid expensive plumbing repairs. While certain items such as toilet paper, human waste, and urine can safely go down the drain, other things like kitty litter, diapers and sanitary items, cotton swabs and balls, and hair should never be flushed. We hope that this article helped you to keep your drainage clean and unclogged the whole time.
