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Our toilets are often treated as a catch-all for unwanted items, but treating them that way can lead to expensive plumbing disasters. While the convenience of a quick flush may be tempting, flushing the wrong things can cause major damage to your plumbing system. At Early Bird Plumbing, we want to help you avoid these headaches with a simple guide on what to keep out of your toilet. Following these tips will save you money, reduce stress, and help keep your plumbing in top condition.
Why Toilets Aren’t Trash Cans
Your toilet is designed for two things: human waste and toilet paper. Anything else has the potential to create clogs, damage pipes, or even wreak havoc on your septic system. Unlike toilet paper, most materials don’t break down easily in water, leading to blockages over time. Even "flushable" products can cause problems since they take much longer to decompose than you might think.
Understanding what not to flush will help protect your pipes and save your home from unnecessary plumbing trouble.
Common Items You Should Never Flush
1. Cooking Grease or Oil
Leftover grease from cooking may seem like a liquid you can pour down your toilet, but as it cools, it solidifies and sticks to your pipes. This can lead to stubborn blockages that require professional repair.
2. “Flushable” Wipes
Despite their name, flushable wipes, including baby wipes and cleaning wipes, don’t dissolve like toilet paper. Over time, they can pile up and block your plumbing system.
3. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene items are absorbent and expand in water, which means they can clog pipes quickly and prevent wastewater from flowing correctly.
4. Paper Towels and Tissues
Although they’re made of paper, these materials are much thicker than toilet paper and don’t break down the same way. Flushing them increases the risk of a clog.
5. Hair
Flushing hair down the toilet may seem harmless, but it tangles and creates a web-like mass that traps other debris, leading to serious blockages.
6. Cotton Balls, Swabs, and Pads
Cotton products don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they absorb moisture, making them prone to getting stuck in your pipes.
7. Medications
Flushing pills or liquid medicine might seem like a quick disposal solution, but this practice can harm water quality and contaminate our water supply.
8. Small Plastic or Rubber Items
These materials do not break down in water and can block pipelines entirely or lead to costly damage that requires excavation.
Helpful Tips to Avoid Plumbing Problems
- Dispose of Trash Properly: Keep a wastebasket in your bathroom to make it easier to discard non-flushable items.
- Educate Household Members: Sharing these guidelines with everyone in your home, especially kids, will reduce accidental flushing of inappropriate items.
- Use Toilet Paper Wisely: Even though it’s flushable, using excessive amounts of toilet paper can also lead to clogs.
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Routine plumbing checkups can help catch minor issues before they turn into disasters.
When in Doubt, Keep it Out!
If you’re unsure about whether something is safe to flush, it’s best to throw it in the trash instead. Your plumbing system will thank you, and you’ll save yourself the headache of dealing with messy clogs and plumbing repairs.
Contact Us for Professional Plumbing Assistance
At Early Bird Plumbing, we understand that plumbing accidents can happen. If you’re dealing with a clogged drain or suspect a larger issue, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to assess your system and provide reliable solutions. Contact Early Bird Plumbing today to keep your plumbing running smoothly!