Let’s be frank, we’ve all flushed an item or two that we probably know we shouldn’t. While our toilet can take it once or twice, the problem starts when it becomes a habit. Toilets may seem like a convenient disposal system, but they are not designed to handle everything we throw in them. Besides obvious risks to your plumbing setup, flushing inappropriate items can lead to environmental damage and serious issues with the municipal sewage system.
In today’s article, we look at 8 items that often end up in the toilet but should always go into the trash can. Knowing which items are not safe to flush will keep your plumbing flowing smoothly and eliminate the need for professional plumbing services in La Mesa.
What type of stuff should not be flushed down the toilet?
Toilets are engineered to dispose of only water, human waste, and toilet paper which breaks down quickly and flows easily through pipes. Flushing anything else, even if it has a ‘flushable’ label, can lead to serious issues. Here’s a list of items that could cause severe clogs when flushed, leading to costly repairs and inconvenience you’d rather avoid.
1. Wet wipes
Usually, the most common item that ends up in the toilet against better judgment is wet wipes. Also known as disposable wipes or baby wipes, they should never end up in the toilet, even when labeled ‘flushable’. They are notoriously hard to break down and will end up creating blockages that disrupt the water flow.
2. Cotton-made toiletries
Cotton balls, swabs, and pads may seem harmless, but they are notorious for causing plumbing issues. Cotton fibers don’t break down in water like toilet paper. Instead, they absorb water, expand, and remain trapped in the pipes. Always dispose of cotton items in the trash or you may end up with a giant cotton ball that calls for professional removal.
3. Feminine hygiene products
Just like cotton-made items, sanitary products like pads and tampons are designed to absorb as much moisture as possible. This makes them particularly dangerous and problematic for toilets and plumbing systems in general. Flushing them can cause serious blockages that even professional plumbing products struggle to break.
4. Dental floss
If you think dental floss is no cause for concern, think again. While it may seem insignificant, it can cause even more problems than cotton products. When flushed, dental floss doesn’t dissolve, instead, it wraps around other debris, creating a tangled mass that causes serious clogs. It can also wrap around valves, pumps, and other parts of your plumbing system, leading to extensive and costly damage.
5. Grease & oils
Whether it’s cooking grease or oily skin care products, pouring fatty substances down the toilet is a very bad decision. When greasy and oily substances cool, they solidify and create a coating that gets stuck to pipe walls and blocks the passage. This leads to greasy pockets that build up over time, creating server plumbing issues and even sewer backups.
6. Cigarette buts
Besides being made from synthetic fibers that don’t break down in water, cigarette buts contain toxic chemicals that can leach into water sources and harm aquatic life. If you develop a habit of throwing your cigarette buts in the toilet, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll have to call professionals to save the day.
7. Food scraps
While flushing leftovers may seem like the most convenient way to dispose of food scraps, toilets aren’t built to handle this type of waste. If you’re not sure how to get rid of small chunks of food, keep in mind that a toilet is never an option. Always discard leftovers in the trash or compost to prevent plumbing issues.
8. Paper towels & tissues
While they seem similar to toilet paper, paper towels and tissues don’t break down in the same way. They are made to absorb as much water as possible while staying compact. Since they are so durable, paper towels and tissues can cause severe blockages if flushed. Even if it looks like they are going down without a hitch at first, their build-up almost always leads to complicated clogs in the future.
Which company specializes in reliable plumbing services in La Mesa, CA & the neighboring areas?
If your toilet is overflowing or backing up due to congestion, San Diego Emergency Plumbing is a team of experts who are ready to arrive on a moment’s notice and deal with the issue in a dependable and efficient way. We employ skilled specialists with years of experience, utilize the latest technological solutions, and take pride in our methodical approach to restoring your home comfort with minimum inconvenience.
Have problems with water pressure, want to install a garbage disposal unit, or need professional help putting in a new dishwasher, no problem, we’re here to do all that and more.
Give us a call and you’re free to drop by Lake Murray and forget about your plumbing issues. Enjoy quality time with your friends and family while we get down to the nitty-gritty and take care of your plumbing problems. Every second is crucial so reach out to us ASAP!
