The toilet can become like a second garbage disposal; anything you wish to discard is easily flushed down. However, this can be incredibly damaging to your unit and pipes. According to Dependable Air Conditioning, offering elite plumbing repair services in Russellville, AR, here are a few items you should never flush down the toilet.

What Items Are Not Safe for Flushing Down the Toilet?

1. Dental Floss

Dental floss is specifically designed to stand up against moisture and bacteria. As such, it does not dissolve easily, even in water. When flushed down the toilet, it can snag within the pipes. Over time, this can create a damaging buildup, causing you to need plumbing repairs.

2. Paper Towels

Paper towels are used to clean up spills. Although they can dissolve, they do so much slower than toilet paper. The same is true for tissues. Avoid flushing these items to prevent unwanted clogs or damage in the piping.

3. Leftover Food

Leftover food must either be thrown in the trash can or put down the garbage disposal. Flushing it down the toilet can cause a list of issues, including a buildup within the pipes. If this occurs, it will naturally start to mold, giving off a scent. Even if this doesn't fill your home with an unpleasant odor, it will still attract insects and vermin to your pipes.

4. Medication

If you have decided to stop taking your medication, dispose of it properly by mixing it with an unpalatable substance and putting it in a plastic bag. If you flush it down the toilet, the capsules will eventually dissolve, and the medicine will be released. Once the wastewater is released into the ground, that medicine can have harmful effects on the environment, damaging trees and foliage and infecting vegetation.

To ensure your plumbing system continues working, only flush toilet paper and human waste. If you find yourself needing any type of plumbing repair, call Dependable Air Conditioning. Based in Russellville, they have over 35 years of experience in the business. For more information on their AC, furnace, and plumbing repair services, visit their website or call (479) 968-5555 today.