What Should You Never Flush Down the Toilet?

Ah, the bathroom — our private sanctuary. Most of us are well-acquainted with the basics of bathroom etiquette. But when it comes to the ins and outs of what should and shouldn’t make its journey down the toilet drain, many of us are left scratching our heads. “Is this flushable?” we wonder, staring at a potentially problematic item. Here, we’re about to delve deep into what you should never flush down the toilet and why.

The Importance of Knowing What Not to Flush Down the Toilet

Understanding what not to flush down the toilet is crucial for several reasons:

• Preserving Your Plumbing System: Flushing the wrong items can lead to clogs and damage, requiring services like clogged toilet repair.
• Protecting the Septic System: Items that don’t break down easily can disrupt the balance in your septic system.
• Ensuring Clean Water Supply: Flushing hazardous waste and other non-biodegradable items can contaminate the water supply, posing health risks.

What Not to Flush Down the Toilet

When it comes to the convenience of modern plumbing, the toilet often stands as a silent hero in our daily lives. Yet, despite its remarkable ability to whisk away our waste, there are certain items that should never find their way into this trusty porcelain fixture. Let’s go over what you should never flush down the toilet in more detail below.

Baby Wipes and Flushable Wipes

Even if labeled as “flushable,” these wipes don’t disintegrate as toilet paper does, leading to blockages. Absorbing water, they expand and can easily snag in the plumbing.

Cat Litter

Cat litter is designed to clump together when absorbing water, making it a prime candidate for causing clogs. Additionally, cat feces may contain toxins and pathogens harmful to the water supply.

Cooking Grease

While it might seem liquid when hot, cooking grease solidifies as it cools, sticking to pipes and trapping other debris, potentially harming your plumbing system.

Cotton Balls, Paper Towels, and Tissues

Unlike toilet paper, these items don’t break down easily. They end up absorbing water and expanding, leading to blockages.

Feminine Hygiene Products

These products are designed to be super absorbent, so when they’re flushed, they absorb massive amounts of water and can cause severe blockages.

Dental Floss, Hair, and Anything Similar to Dental Floss

These items can wrap around other objects, creating a net that traps debris, leading to clogs.

Hazardous Waste

Chemicals, paint, and medications should never be flushed. They can harm your septic system and contaminate the water supply.

Other Noteworthy Mentions:

• Avoid flushing paper towels, tissues, and similar items.
• Items like dental floss and hair are a no-go.
• Think twice before flushing items, even if they seem harmless.

But, What Can Be Flushed Down the Toilet?

Although knowing what you should never flush down the toilet is helpful, you probably also want to know what can go down the drain. The golden rule is to only flush toilet paper and human waste. That’s it. This age-old mantra serves to protect not only our plumbing but also our community water supply.

Preserve Your Plumbing With Help From Point Loma Electric & Plumbing!

So, what should you never flush down the toilet? As you can see, there are several items that you should keep far away from this important plumbing fixture. Remember, toilets aren’t trash cans. They’re designed specifically for human waste and toilet paper; by being mindful of what you should never flush down the toilet, you ensure the longevity of your plumbing system, the health of your septic tank, and the cleanliness of your water supply.

Are you experiencing issues with your plumbing in San Diego, CA, or the surrounding area? For immediate assistance, schedule a clogged toilet repair with Point Loma Electric & Plumbing. If you’re looking for a thorough cleaning of your entire plumbing system, consider our whole-house drain cleaning services. Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major problem. Schedule today!