A functioning toilet is an essential part of your plumbing. One way to ensure it is in top shape is to keep certain items from going down the pipes. Below is a list of objects that should never be flushed down the toilet.

What Items Should You Stay Out of Your Toilet?

1. Feminine Products

Pads, tampons, and other feminine hygiene products are not designed to be flushed. They will get stuck inside pipes, leading to a huge clog and backup in your toilet. Toss them in the garbage to dispose of them.

2. Baby Wipes

Even if the package says flushable, it is safer if you don’t. They do not break down like toilet paper does, and you will most likely need to call a plumber to unclog your pipes.

3. Grease

Just like grease is bad for your kitchen drain, it is also detrimental to your toilet. Cooled grease, oil, and fats congeal when they cool down, which essentially forms a huge clog in your plumbing. Collect the grease in a container and toss it in the trash.

4. Diapers

Diapers will cause a huge clog in your toilet. They are not flushable and will expand in water, which will lead to a blockage in your plumbing system. Throw them away instead.

5. Medication

While pills will go down easily, they are incredibly dangerous to the environment when flushed. Their contents will leach into groundwater and may become toxic, especially to wildlife. Look for pill take-back programs in your area to eliminate old medication.

6. Paper Towels & Tissues

These paper products do not dissolve like toilet paper and will clog up the pipes. The trash is a better place for them, or better yet, use reusable cloths to reduce waste.

7. Pet Fish

Give your deceased pet fish a loving burial in your yard instead of flushing their remains down your toilet. You may think that a water burial makes better sense for a fish, but they will actually clog your system.

 

When you need a plumber for a clogged toilet, call Paradise Plumbing. Located in Haleiwa, HI, these plumbing contractors bring more than 15 years of service to every residential and commercial plumbing project. They also offer 24-hour emergency plumbing when disaster strikes. For more on their plumbing services, call (808) 368-1473. Stop by their website for more information.