Do you know what you can and can’t safely flush down the toilet? You might be surprised by just how many things don’t belong! Flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper can lead to serious consequences for your home’s plumbing system down the road. To help prevent potential problems, we’re breaking down 12 items homeowners should never put in their toilets. Keep reading to find out which common “flushable” should actually stay in the trash bin!
For any plumbing problems, call Hedlund Plumbing.
(800) HEDLUND > (800) 433-5863
- Flushable wipes – they may be labeled as “flushable,” but they don’t break down the way toilet paper does and can cause clogs
- Baby wipes – these also don’t break down like toilet paper and can cause clogs
- Feminine hygiene products – these can create a build-up in your pipes over time
- Cotton balls or swabs – these will get caught in your pipes and create a clog
- Hair – even just a few strands of hair have the potential to cause a major clog
- Food waste – this will rot and smell bad, not to mention it can attract pests
- Dental floss – it doesn’t break down in the water and will cause problems with your septic system
- Cigarette butts – they’re not biodegradable and over time can catch on the inside pipe wall.
- Oil or Grease – this can build up in your pipes, just like in the kitchen
- Toys – small toys can get lodged in the pipes and cause clogs
- Paper Towel – paper towel is larger and thicker than toilet paper and easily clog up your bowl.
- Medication – Dumping a bunch of pills into your toilet has the potential of causing a blockage. Even if it doesn’t, it’s not a good idea to introduce medication to the water table. It doesn’t always get cleaned out of the water system.
All in all, the most important thing to remember is that some things should always be taken to the trash or recycling. Even a small mistake can lead to clogged systems, backed-up plumbing, and expensive repairs. To avoid a clog that could set your home back significantly, give Hedlund Plumbing a call if you ever have any questions about what is safe to flush down your drains. When it comes to protecting your home’s pipes and sinks, an ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. There are plenty of store-bought chemical cleaners out there that promise they can help with whatever ails you plumbing-wise, but often these are just temporary fixes that could easily cause more problems than they solve – so proceed with caution! The main takeaway here? Pay attention to what goes down your drains and make sure to always keep those twelve items off the list!
About Hedlund Plumbing
The solution to all your plumbing repair, installation, and maintenance needs. Our local Lansing plumbers are fully licensed and insured professionals. We arrive on time in a marked van ready to go with the tools and materials to complete the job. Our commitment to our customers is why we are considered by many to be the top Lansing plumber.
(800) HEDLUND > (800) 433-5863
