Maintaining a healthy plumbing system allows for safety, convenience, and minimized repair expenses. That’s why plumbers are quick to remind clients to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. If you’re wondering why they’re so adamant about this, here’s a list of a few items that can cause major breakdowns if flushed instead of disposed of in the trash.

Top 4 Items to Avoid Flushing to Maintain Your Plumbing System

1. Kitty Litter

Cat owners often keep litter boxes in the bathroom. During the cleaning process, it’s tempting to flush old kitty litter and cat waste down the drain. Unfortunately, this gravel-like product is difficult to fully remove from your system as it’s built to eliminate water-soluble waste only. Flushing this product on a regular basis can lead to clogs, foul smells, and system-wide functionality problems that require sewer snaking. 

2. Grease & Oil

After cooking, leftover grease and oil residue remain in liquid form when hot. As this fluid cools, it hardens into a solid form. Thus, flushing grease and oil down your toilet or drain can lead to blockages, and the buildup can slowly reduce the amount of free-flowing space inside your plumbing pipes. 

3. Baby Wipes & Feminine Hygiene Products

Baby wipes are composed of a much thicker material in comparison to regular toilet paper. These paper products don’t break down in your plumbing system as toilet paper does. In addition, feminine products like cotton tampons and pads are designed to absorb moisture and expand. Therefore, flushing them instead of tossing them in the garbage increases the risk of needing emergency service to deal with backups and clogs. 

4. Dental Floss

Dental floss can twist around components within your plumbing system, creating nets that catch other debris. Over time, these nets of floss can lead to larger problems as bits of toilet paper, waste, and even hair continue to attach and create blockages. 

If you’re located in Naples, NY, Yates County, Ontario County, or Steuben County, NY, and you need a top-notch plumbing company to help with a clog, Valley Mechanical is ready to help. Since opening in 1999, these contractors have provided top-notch plumbing and HVAC services using a budget-friendly flat-rate model. Call today at (585) 374-6866 to schedule an appointment. Visit their website to learn more about their offerings, from emergency service for backups to sewer snaking.