It might be tempting to treat your toilet like a trashcan. After all, it gets rid of anything you want, and then you never see it again. However, using your toilet for this purpose can cause severe clogs, burst pipes, and emergency plumber services. Familiarize yourself with some common culprits of plumbing issues to avoid them in the future.

4 Items to Keep Away From Your Toilet

1. Feminine Products & Diapers

Both diapers and feminine hygiene products such as tampons and pads are meant to be absorbent. Large, dense blockages can form if you flush any of these items, as they’ll absorb water and expand in your piping. If this happens, waste and other flushed items will build up behind them, resulting in significant pressure that can burst your pipes. Always put these items in the trash, and contact a plumber if you've flushed them in the past.

2. Dental Floss

Dental floss may seem insignificant and harmless, but it can create problems once it's in your plumbing. It can tangle and catch on other debris, eventually creating a blockage. If it manages to make it to your septic system, it may also wrap around valves and other parts, creating issues that can lead to an overflow.

3. Medication

Medication should always be disposed of at an approved center or medical facility. While it likely won’t damage your piping, it can disrupt the treatment bacteria in your septic tank. It may also pass through to the drain field or sewer and taint the water supply.

If you’re dealing with clogs and other plumbing problems, turn to Green’s Furnace & Plumbing Co., Inc. These plumbers have served Lincoln, NE, and surrounding communities for over 95 years. They also handle HVAC installations and repairs, and they’ll work closely with you to ensure you get the most from your home systems. Call (402) 467-4444 to schedule a visit from a plumber, or visit their website to learn more about their services. For more plumbing tips, connect with them on Facebook.