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Your toilet is more than just a convenience; it’s a crucial part of your home’s plumbing system. But flushing the wrong items down the toilet can lead to clogs, plumbing disasters, and costly repairs. At Merry Plumbing, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you protect your plumbing with this simple guide on what not to flush.
Why Toilets Aren’t Trash Cans
Many people think of toilets as a quick and easy way to dispose of unwanted items. However, your toilet and plumbing system are designed to handle only water, human waste, and toilet paper. Flushing anything else can cause blockages, backups, and long-term damage to your pipes and septic system. Understanding what not to flush is essential to keeping your plumbing in top shape.
Items You Should Never Flush
Even though certain items might seem harmless, they can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Here’s a list of common offenders you should always keep out of your toilet:
1. “Flushable” Wipes
Despite what the packaging claims, flushable wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They often clump together, leading to stubborn clogs in your pipes and sewer lines.
2. Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and other hygiene products are designed to absorb liquid, not dissolve in it. When flushed, they expand and can cause significant blockages.
3. Paper Towels and Tissues
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and tissues are not made to break down in water. They can easily get stuck in your pipes, leading to backups.
4. Cotton Balls, Swabs, and Q-Tips
These small items may seem insignificant, but they can accumulate in your pipes and create blockages over time.
5. Hair
Hair is notorious for tangling up and causing clogs. Always dispose of hair in the trash, not the toilet.
6. Cooking Grease and Food Scraps
You might think it’s convenient to pour leftovers down the toilet, but grease and food particles solidify in your pipes, leading to tough-to-remove blockages.
7. Medications
Flushing medications not only harms your plumbing but also contaminates water systems, posing risks to the environment.
8. Small Objects
Whether it’s toys, dental floss, or cigarette butts, small objects can cause big problems in your plumbing system.
The Consequences of Flushing the Wrong Items
When you flush something you shouldn’t, it doesn’t just disappear. It can get stuck in your pipes, building up over time and eventually causing a blockage. If the problem reaches your main sewer line, you could face messy (and expensive) backups. Additionally, improper flushing can damage municipal sewer systems and harm the environment.
How to Protect Your Plumbing
Being mindful of what you flush is the best way to protect your plumbing system. Dispose of non-flushable items in the trash, and educate family members or roommates about proper toilet use. If you’re experiencing frequent blockages, it might be a sign of a larger issue in your plumbing that needs professional attention.
Contact Merry Plumbing for Plumbing Help
At Merry Plumbing, we understand how frustrating plumbing problems can be. If you’re dealing with stubborn clogs or want to ensure your system is in excellent condition, our team of experts is here to help. Don’t wait for a small issue to turn into a disaster—get in touch with us today for reliable and professional plumbing services. Together, we can keep your home running smoothly!