Question:
Dear Any Hour Services, Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Air,
My wife and I disagree on what should not be flushed down the toilet. I grew up in a house where the toilet was used to get rid of a bunch of things, but she didn’t. It drives her crazy to see what I consider is ok to flush. So, my question is — what things are ok to flush down the toilet?
– Michael D.
Answer:
We as humans can sometimes be pretty lazy and just want to get rid of something fast. Unfortunately, that means we don’t always make the best decisions on getting rid of garbage.
The only things that should be flushed down a toilet are the 3 P’s – Pee, Poop, and Paper (TP – toilet paper). Anything else wreaks havoc on your plumbing system or contaminates our water supply. Your plumbing is one of the most important systems in your home and it shouldn’t be used to throw away items.
Here’s a list of items you shouldn’t flush down a toilet — Ever.
- Disposable/Flushable Wipes – they seem harmless and even have “flushable” in their names sometimes, but
- seriously, don’t flush them! (Click here for a pdf that explains why in more detail)
- Feminine Products: Tampons/Pads
- Paper Towel or Napkins
- Tissues (Kleenex)
- Hair
- Fats, Oils, & Grease (F.O.G)
- Leftover Food
- Bones
- Cotton Balls/Swabs
- Dental Floss
- Band-Aids
- Gum
- Medication/Needles
- Diapers
- Condoms
- Kitty Litter
- Paint
A clogged toilet is a horrible thing to have to deal with. Nobody wants that to happen and no one wants to have to call a plumber for help with unclogging a toilet or drain. By learning not to flush down your toilet, you can protect your toilet, your home’s plumbing, your city’s lines, and the public water supply. Keeping these items away from your toilet and drains can go a long way in keeping your plumbing running smoothly.
If you have a clogged toilet that you are not able to clear or that keeps reoccurring often, give us a call at Any Hour Services, Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Air and we can send someone out to help you.
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