Things You Should Never Flush Down the Toilet
Most people don’t give a second thought when flushing their toilet. However, this mindset can lead to plumbing problems and high repair costs. The best way to avoid unexpected plumbing issues is to keep extra waste out of your plumbing system. Here are some general rules to follow of what you shouldn’t flush down your toilet.
1. Feminine Products
Feminine hygiene products are designed to absorb and expand when they come in contact with liquid. Unlike toilet paper, these never break down once they enter your sewage system., meaning if something gets caught it doesn’t dissolve. This makes them a prime source of clogging all sewer drains, especially in older systems.
2. Paper Towels
Contrary to popular belief that you can flush paper towels, you shouldn’t. While they may seem like toilet paper, materials used to make up paper towels don’t dissolve as easily and are another prime source of clogging your system and pipes.
3. Hair
Just because it comes from our body doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe to flush. Like dental floss, hair is not dissolvable and can wreak havoc in your plumbing system. If you snake the drain in your shower, don’t move it from one part of your plumbing to the other. Throw it in the trash can or compost it.
4. Pets
It is common that families flush their deceased goldfish down the toilet. Some people have gone as far as flushing lizards, hamsters and other small pets. In all reality, you should not flush any family pet. Even if you are certain that you pet is dead, it is strongly advised that you do not flush it down the toilet. Dead fish, and other pets carry diseases and parasites with them which can be detrimental to the environment.
5. Floss, Q-tips, & Cotton Balls
Dental floss has a similar effect on your plumbing system as hair does. Dental floss is not dissolvable and while one piece may not seem like much, think about what happens when a clump of it gets stuck in your pipes. Q-tips and cotton balls are also a risk of clogging your toilet and plumbing system. While cotton itself is used in making some toilet paper, cotton balls and Q-tips do not break down the same way that toilet paper does. Cotton is excellent at absorbing water but should be thrown away instead of being flushed.
Flushing things down the toilet is convenient but if done irresponsibly, can lead to plumbing issues and less money in your pocket. Avoid flushing some of these common items and keep your toilet healthy and happy. For those who do have plumbing problems, contact your experts at SameDay Heating & Air. To learn more, schedule an appointment and for all your plumbing needs, give us a call at (801) 726-3329
