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We use our toilets every day but may not give them much thought until they’re backed up or stop working. If you want to keep yours from having issues, there are a few items you should never place in it. Fortunately, Bernie Buchner in La Crosse, WI, has over 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry and has put together a list of what those items are.

What Not to Flush Down a Toilet 

1. Food & Gum

Gum can stick to flushable materials and cause a clog. And no matter how bad your leftovers smell, always use a garbage can or compost bin to dispose of them. They can latch on to pipes, overburdening the sewer system.

2. Paper Goods

Paper towels, tissues, and napkins have no business in the toilet; they’re not made to break down like toilet paper. No “flushable” wipes or sanitary items, either–they don’t dissolve well and can cause backups. 

3. Plastic

Whether it’s diapers, bandages, or sanitary products, throw them in the trash can. They’re not biodegradable, so they can cause clogs almost immediately in your plumbing. Diapers, in particular, contain a substance that allows them to expand when wet. Once they’re in your pipes, they increase in size and back up the system. 

4. Pills

plumbingPills won’t necessarily clog a toilet, but they’re unsafe for your water supply. If you have old medications to dispose of, check with a local pharmacy about take-back days or programs in which you can discard old medication.

5. Cat Litter

It’s not only cat waste you’re flushing if you empty into the toilet when cleaning out the litter box, but it’s litter, too. Cat litter is not easily dissolved and, therefore, leads to clogs. Always scoop it into the trash.

6. Dental Floss

It’s great to floss, but when you do, be sure to dispose of the string in a trash receptacle. Dental floss can bunch up if you flush it often and form an obstruction in the pipes. 

7. Hair

Just like hair can cause your sink or shower to back up, it can do the same in your toilet. If the hair has styling or conditioning products on it, they can gunk up your pipes, too.

If you’ve got other plumbing questions, give Bernie Buchner a call. They provide La Crosse, WI, with high-quality plumbing and commercial HVAC services. They’re affordable and on-call 24/7 for your convenience. Call them today at (608) 784-9000 or visit their website

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