Whether you run on septic or sewer system, some items should never go down the toilet. Common never to be flushed items are posted in public restrooms across the country.
Most of us know that we shouldn’t flush sanitary products, diapers, and paper towels due to their expanding properties and the notorious clogs they cause.
But did you know the following items can wreak havoc on your plumbing?
Sanitary Wipes
Since these degrade very slowly, they are causing a crisis in urban sewer systems resulting in millions of dollars in damage. Any type of wipe, even those labeled as flushable, are awful for septic systems and cause clogs over time.
Condoms
Similar to sanitary wipes, latex condoms are not biodegradable. Made to withstand moisture and pressure, they won’t simply dissolve on their own when tossed down the toilet.
Dental Floss
Despite feeling like string, dental floss is not biodegradable. Once flushed, dental floss wraps itself around other objects in the pipeline, making tiny clogs bigger in an instant.
Hair
Even though it’s tempting to clean your brush and toss the mess in the toilet bowl, hair acts much like dental floss. In wads, it can quickly block pipes.
Band-Aids
These are made from plastic, which is terrible for the environment and causes awful clogs in sewage systems.
Cigarette Butts
Much like the other small, non-degrading items on the list, cigarette butts can lead to serious blockages in plumbing.
Cotton balls and swabs
The cotton in these products is very bad for your plumbing, and they are a frequent cause of clogs at municipal waste disposal plants and home septic systems. Cotton swabs can also get lodged in nooks and crannies creating an anchor for other waste to back up against.
Kitty litter
It may seem logical to put waste into the toilet – but the popular clumping variety of kitty litter expands when put in contact with water. The chemicals in litter and cat feces can also be toxic if introduced into the water supply.
Since many of the items we purchase aren’t biodegradable, they are detrimental to our plumbing and the environment. To keep your plumbing in good working order is it best to throw consumables in the trash where they belong.
Contact our plumbing professionals if you run into any problems and don’t forget to check out our monthly specials.
Don’t neglect your home! Check out our list of home repairs related articles below for more information on how to keep your property in top condition.
- Summer Solutions to Common Home & Business Plumbing Problems
- Your Toilet is Overflowing – What Now?
- Simple Things You Can Do to Prevent Plumbing Problems this Spring
- Six Tips to Increase Water Pressure in Your Shower
