Thinking before you flush is important. In some cases, not following toilet flushing tips is actually illegal.
This makes sense since the National Association of Clean Water Agencies reports that American wastewater agencies waste $440 million annually because of improper flushing!
But what can’t you flush down the toilet? Read on to learn:
- What not to flush
- Flushable items
- How to deal with pipe problems after improper flushing
Napkins and Paper Towels
Lots of people think napkins and paper towels are the same as toilet paper. However, they’re not flushable items since they:
- Are too thick to flush down the toilet
- Don’t disintegrate in water
- Back up sewers
They’re not made to break down in the same way that toilet tissue does. Neither are facial tissues. It’s not all about the thickness – it’s about how other paper products are made.
Disposable Diapers
Disposable diapers may have human waste in them, but they’re really thick. They won’t just build up in your pipes and clog things up over time. They’re likely to lodge in the toilet immediately and back up the water.
This can lead to an immediate overflow. You may need to call in emergency plumbing repair services. This could be easily avoided with some caution, as could the expenses that come with it.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Pads and tampons expand in water. They’re not just big and fluffy. They hold the water and become even larger as they absorb it, so they’re likely to immediately clog pipes.
Like diapers, you may need to do some emergency damage control. Avoid this by wrapping feminine hygiene products in toilet tissue and throwing them away in a trash receptacle.
Baby Wipes
Baby wipes might not cause immediate pipe blockage, but they’ll clump together inside your pipes over time. This means major clogs down the line. The clogs can even get so bad that pipes break.
Plus, flushing baby wipes also can mean:
- Inefficient water usage
- Clogs in the larger sewage system
- Pipe problems at local water treatment plants
Cotton Products
You also can’t flush cotton products like:
- Cotton balls
- Q-Tips
- Cotton makeup pads
They clump together in your pipes like baby wipes do. They also expand in water like tampons can. It’s the worst of both worlds, so avoid flushing cotton at all costs.
So, What Can You Flush?
The only safe things to flush down the toilet are toilet paper and human waste.
Make sure to get a specialized brand of toilet tissue from the store. Kleenex isn’t made to break down. You can’t just use some facial tissue in a pinch.
Be vigilant and don’t throw things in the toilet that don’t belong there!
Beyond What Not to Flush Down the Toilet
Now that you know what products you shouldn’t flush down the toilet, it’s time to hire a plumber to take a look at your pipes. Many people accidentally flush things they shouldn’t, and we’re here to help unclog your pipes if you’ve done this.
We also are excited to help with plumbing maintenance and pipe protection. Contact our experts to take proactive measures against plumbing emergencies!
