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Your toilet is an essential part of your home’s plumbing system, designed to handle only specific types of waste. However, when items that don’t belong take the plunge, they can create blockages, damage pipes, and lead to costly repairs. To help you avoid unnecessary stress and expenses, American Drain Company has put together this guide on what should never go down your toilet.
Why It Matters
A clogged toilet or plumbing system isn’t just inconvenient; it can turn into a disaster. Flushing the wrong items can cause backups, environmental harm, or even lead to a complete system failure. Protecting your plumbing starts with knowing what not to flush.
The Top 7 Items You Should Never Flush
1. Wipes (Even “Flushable” Ones)
Despite being marketed as flushable, most wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They often clump together in pipes, leading to stubborn blockages. Always dispose of wipes in the trash to avoid plumbing issues.
2. Paper Towels and Tissues
Though they may seem similar to toilet paper, these products are designed to resist breaking apart in water. Their durability can cause major clogs.
3. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and other hygiene products are notorious for blocking pipes. Their absorbent materials swell in water, making them particularly troublesome for plumbing systems.
4. Cotton Swabs and Balls
Small but mighty when it comes to clogging, cotton products don’t dissolve and can quickly become lodged in your pipes, creating obstacles for water flow.
5. Hair
Whether it’s strands from a brush or loose hair collected after a shower, hair can act like a net in your plumbing, trapping other debris and forming stubborn clogs.
6. Grease, Oils, and Food
While these are more commonly kitchen sink culprits, some people mistakenly use the toilet for disposal. Grease and oils can solidify in pipes, while food scraps don’t break down properly, causing blockages.
7. Medication
Flushing old pills or liquid medicine not only risks clogging your toilet but can introduce harmful chemicals into the water supply. Instead, dispose of medications through designated take-back programs.
How to Protect Your Plumbing
Preventative care is key to a healthy plumbing system. Here are some simple measures to keep your pipes running smoothly:
Use a Trash Can Nearby
Place a small trash bin next to your toilet to encourage proper disposal of non-flushable items.Stick to the Basics
Only flush human waste and regular toilet paper. This is what your toilet is designed to handle safely.Educate Your Household
Make sure everyone in your household knows what can and cannot be flushed, especially young children.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining good flushing habits can save you from plumbing headaches in the future. And if a clog or an issue does occur, it’s essential to act quickly. That’s where American Drain Company can help. We’re here to tackle any plumbing challenges you face, offering expert solutions tailored to your needs.
Don’t wait for a small problem to turn into a disaster. Contact American Drain Company today for reliable plumbing support you can count on!