Even though we know there are lots of items we shouldn’t flush down the toilet, we’re all guilty of tossing said items into the bowl, right? Sometimes, it’s just so much more convenient to throw that cotton ball or that piece of dental floss into the water rather than walking over to the trash can, but your lack of motivation or sheer laziness, for lack of a better term, can cause some major plumbing issues. After all, you don’t want to have to call in a plumber and spend a small stack of cash when that problem could have easily been avoided. See below to find out what should never be flushed down the toilet:
1 - Cotton
Whether it’s in the form of a cotton swab, a cotton ball or a cotton pad, it should be kept out of the water. They are not safe to flush as cotton has a tough time breaking down. This means it’s likely to clump together and cause a clog in the pipes which can lead to a number of other problems.
2 - Wipes
There is a major misconception floating around, stating that it’s safe to flush wipes. Well, even if the package says “flushable” we highly recommend discarding wipes in the trash instead. Not only can wipes cause problems in your pipes and drains, they can also wreak havoc throughout your city’s collection system.
3 - Hair
After cleaning a brush or the drain in the shower, lots of homeowners lean toward the toilet as a means to discard hair. Quit while you’re ahead and throw the hair in the trash instead!
Hair can easily wrap around the drain stem or form a sort of net when it’s flushed. By the way, hair will never dissolve in water no matter how long it stays there for.
4 - Diapers
Most diapers won’t fit down the drain anyway, but you might get lucky (or unlucky) if you try hard enough. Diapers expand in water and will definitely clog your pipes as a result. They should always be tossed in the trash or in a diaper pail rather than in the toilet.
5 - Dental Floss
Similar to hair, dental floss will wrap around just about anything it comes in contact with. Therefore, it can cause severe clogs in your plumbing system and it can also cause environmental damage.
6 - Paper Products
The only safe paper product you can flush down the toilet is toilet paper. Paper towels and tissues are not designed to break down as easily as toilet paper can, so they should be tossed in the trash every single time.
7 - Contact Lenses
Did you know that nearly 125 million people use contact lenses to see clearer on a daily basis? While they’re a lifesaver in more ways than one, contact lenses create trillions of microplastics when they’re flushed down the toilet. When it comes time to get rid of that current pair, throw them into the garbage.
8 - Chewing Gum
It’s sticky and it doesn’t break down easily — the perfect recipe for disaster when it comes to your plumbing system.
9 - Bleach
There’s a good chance you can find it on the ingredients list of your toilet or bathroom cleaner, but contrary to popular belief, it’s not meant for the toilet. This toxic chemical is far too harsh for your plumbing system as it can eat away at the inside of your pipes.
10 - Grease
You’ve probably heard that you should never pour grease down the sink and the same is true for the toilet. As the cooking grease cools it begins to solidify and when it solidifies it can cause major clogs. We suggest pouring it into an old glass jar or container or letting it cool and wiping it into the trash with a paper towel.
From intensive drain clearing to removing regular clogs, our drain cleaning services keep your pipes free of debris. At Total Comfort Solutions, we know a backed-up drain can quickly turn into a kitchen or bathroom flood. Therefore, we offer fast, efficient services such as drain repair and cleaning, to help protect your home. Call us today at (509) 956-4764.