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Your toilet is not a trash can. Flushing the wrong items can lead to clogged pipes, costly repairs, and even environmental damage. Understanding what should and shouldn't go down the toilet not only saves you money but also keeps your plumbing system running smoothly.
At Tennessee Plumbing, we’ve seen the results of many flushing mishaps. To help you avoid future trouble, we’ve put together this guide on items to keep far away from your toilet.
Common Items You Should Never Flush
1. Wipes (Even “Flushable” Ones)
Despite how they’re labeled, flushable wipes can wreak havoc on your plumbing. These wipes don’t break down like toilet paper, causing blockages and buildups in your pipes. Instead, toss them in the trash where they belong.
2. Cotton Products
Cotton balls, swabs, and pads are deceptively small but incredibly absorbent. Once flushed, they expand, trapping other debris and leading to stubborn clogs. Stick to disposing of these in the garbage.
3. Paper Towels and Tissues
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and tissues are not designed to dissolve in water. Flushing them may seem harmless, but over time, they can cause significant blockages.
4. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene products are a leading cause of plumbing issues. Their absorbent nature allows them to quickly swell and block your pipes. Always dispose of these items in a sanitary bin.
5. Dental Floss
It may seem small and harmless, but dental floss doesn’t dissolve in water. Over time, it can tangle with other debris in your pipes, creating larger blockages and even damaging your septic system.
6. Grease, Oils, or Fats
While these are kitchen culprits, sometimes grease or oil ends up in your toilet. As grease cools, it hardens, sticking to pipes and creating a nightmare for your plumbing system. Dispose of grease in a sealed container and throw it away instead.
7. Medications
Flushing medications isn’t just bad for your plumbing; it’s harmful to the environment. Medications can contaminate water supplies and disrupt ecosystems. Instead, take expired or unused medications to a pharmacy or a community take-back program.
8. Small Trash Items
Items like cigarette butts, hair, bandages, or rubber bands may seem easy to flush, but they can easily collect in your pipes and lead to costly repairs. Simply throwing these into the trash can save you a future headache.
The Right Way to Care for Your Toilet
Now that you know what not to flush, here’s how to maintain a healthy plumbing system:
- Only flush toilet paper and human waste.
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections to catch issues early.
- Address minor blockages before they become major problems.
Prevention is key to avoiding plumbing disasters, and being mindful of what goes down your toilet is a great place to start.
Contact Us to Keep Your Plumbing Spotless
If you’re dealing with frequent clogs or want to ensure your plumbing is in top condition, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Tennessee Plumbing, we specialize in keeping your home’s plumbing running smoothly and stress-free.
Avoiding disaster starts with action. Contact Tennessee Plumbing today to schedule your plumbing inspection or repair service!