Skip to Content Top

What Not to Flush Down Your Toilet (A Guide to Avoiding Disaster)

toilet flushing
|

Your toilet might seem like a convenient disposal solution, but it’s designed to handle only specific types of waste. Flushing the wrong items can lead to clogs, sewage backups, and costly repairs. To help you keep your plumbing in top shape, Crown Plumbing has compiled this guide to what you should never flush. Follow these tips to avoid plumbing disasters!

1. Wet Wipes

Although many wet wipes are marketed as “flushable,” they don’t break down like toilet paper. These wipes can accumulate in your pipes, leading to stubborn clogs. It’s best to dispose of all types of wet wipes in the trash.

2. Paper Towels and Tissues

Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and tissues are not meant to dissolve in water. They can easily block your pipes, creating drainage issues. Always toss these items into the garbage bin instead.

3. Cotton Products

Cotton balls, swabs, and pads may seem harmless, but they don’t dissolve in water. These items can get stuck in your pipes, causing blockages over time. To protect your plumbing, keep cotton products out of the toilet.

4. Feminine Hygiene Products

Sanitary pads, tampons, and other feminine hygiene products are designed to absorb moisture, not dissolve in it. Flushing these products can result in severe clogs and even damage your septic system. Always dispose of them in a waste bin.

5. Dental Floss

Dental floss might look thin and harmless, but it doesn’t break down in water. When flushed, it can tangle and act like a net, catching other debris in your pipes. Avoid flushing floss to prevent sewer backups.

6. Hair

Hair may seem small and insignificant, but it has a knack for forming clumps that can block pipes. Whether you’re brushing your hair or cleaning out a hairbrush, make sure to throw hair directly into the trash.

7. Grease, Oils, and Fats

While grease, oils, and fats are more commonly associated with kitchen plumbing, they often find their way into bathroom drains too. These substances can solidify in your pipes, creating hard-to-remove blockages. Always dispose of grease in a sealed container in the trash.

8. Medications

Although flushing expired or unused medications might seem convenient, it can harm both your plumbing and the environment. Medications can contaminate water supplies, so it’s better to take them to a pharmacy for proper disposal.

9. Small Toys or Objects

If you have kids, you know how tempting it can be for them to "flush and see." Small toys and other objects can easily get lodged in your pipes, blocking water flow. Supervise little ones to avoid accidental flushes.

Keep Your Plumbing Smooth with Crown Plumbing

Following these guidelines can help you maintain a trouble-free plumbing system. But if you’re already dealing with slow drains, clogs, or other issues, Crown Plumbing is here to help.

At Crown Plumbing, we specialize in solving plumbing problems quickly and professionally. Don’t risk a disaster by delaying the fix! Contact us today to schedule an appointment or speak with one of our experts about your plumbing concerns. Protect your home and keep your plumbing running smoothly with our expert assistance!