We take it for granted—that with a flush of the handle, our waste products are taken away to be processed elsewhere. However, as reliable as our toilets are most of the time, they are prone to the occasional clog or backup. Your chances of a problem increase if you put certain non-flushable substances down them. With that in mind, the following guide should serve as a reminder of some best plumbing practices.

4 Items You Shouldn’t Flush Away

1. Food

If your garbage disposal is out of order or you have a bathroom close to your kitchen, you may feel tempted to flush food down the toilet rather than put them in the trash. However, liquids like hot oil or bacon grease will cool with time, potentially blocking your pipes.

2. Cat Litter

Also, take caution with cat litter. Made to be absorbent, the crystals can expand with contact to water, preventing the toilet from functioning properly. 

3. Corrosive Chemicals 

While you may be tempted to use drain cleaners to bust up clogs, that is not the best plumbing solution. In fact, harsh chemicals, such as products that contain bleach, lye, or hydrochloric acid, may corrode your pipes after you flush them. In addition, they can negatively affect the environment if they leach into the soil or nearby water sources on the trip to the treatment plant. Similarly, do not flush paint thinners, nail polish remover, adhesives, or antifreeze. 

4. Hair

Though it may not seem like a problem to flush small clumps of hair down your toilet every now and then, they collect in your pipes over time. Furthermore, they may create a net, trapping other particles that come after it. Vacuum hair or throw it in the trash. 

Keep your toilets and other plumbing fixtures functional with help from Elko’s best plumbing team, Parker Solutions LLC. They also provide Nevada clients with HVAC repairs, air duct cleaning, and wood stove services. Call (775) 738-4681 to get a quote on their services. Visit them online to learn more about their best plumbing practices and solutions.