Your toilet is designed to handle certain things, but many items can cause serious issues if flushed. To keep your plumbing system in good shape, it’s important to know what should never go down the drain.
1. Baby Wipes and Wet Wipes
Even if the packaging says “flushable,” baby wipes and wet wipes can still cause clogs. These products don’t break down as easily as toilet paper and can accumulate in your pipes, leading to blockages.
2. Paper Towels and Tissues
Paper towels and tissues are much thicker than toilet paper and aren’t meant to dissolve in water. Flushing them can quickly result in clogs, especially if they get stuck in narrow or older pipes.
3. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene products are designed to absorb liquid, not dissolve in it. These items can expand and cause significant blockages in your plumbing system.
4. Cotton Balls and Q-Tips
Cotton products like cotton balls, swabs, and Q-tips don’t break down in water. Instead, they can clump together, creating blockages that are difficult to remove.
5. Dental Floss
Dental floss might seem harmless, but it can tangle and trap other debris in your pipes, leading to bigger problems down the line.
6. Grease, Oil, and Fat
Pouring grease, oil, or fat down the toilet is a bad idea. These substances can solidify in your pipes, creating stubborn clogs that are difficult to clear.
7. Medication
Flushing unused or expired medication can contaminate the water supply. Instead, dispose of medications through a pharmacy take-back program or according to local guidelines.
8. Hair
Hair can easily tangle and create blockages in your plumbing. Instead of flushing it, throw hair in the trash.
9. Food Scraps
While it might be tempting to flush food scraps, they can cause clogs and attract pests. Dispose of food waste in the trash or compost bin instead.
10. Plastic and Other Non-Biodegradable Items
Any plastic items, such as wrappers, small toys, or packaging, should never be flushed. These materials don’t break down and can cause severe blockages in your pipes or sewage system.
Keep Your Plumbing Safe
By avoiding flushing these items, you can prevent costly plumbing repairs and keep your system running smoothly. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out!
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