For most people, flushing a toilet is a reflexive act that doesn’t need to involve much thought. While these essential fixtures are capable of swiftly removing human waste and sewer-safe toilet paper, plumbing systems aren’t designed to accommodate other items. If your bathroom habits are changing and you want to avoid an emergency call to the plumbing company, it’s wise to think twice about what you send down the drain. With many Americans facing toilet paper shortages due to the current public health crisis, here are some common alternatives you should keep out of your pipes.

4 Types of Wipes You Should Never Flush

1. Paper Towels & Tissues

Paper towels, napkins, and facial tissues may seem to be close cousins of toilet paper, but these products aren’t equipped to handle sewer conditions. Specifically, they won’t break down in the water. If used in excessive quantities in a short period, this debris could contribute to a clog that may leave your bathroom inoperable until a plumbing company arrives.

2. Cosmetic Wipes

Cosmetic or makeup removal wipes are a common staple in today’s bathrooms. However, these products are designed to lift heavy contaminants off of the skin—not deteriorate with organic human waste. Flushing just a few of these a day—or several at once—can soon lead to a blockage that will have you reaching for a plunger.

3. Flushable Wipes

Even if bathroom wipes say they are “flushable” on the package, it doesn’t mean that they’re suited for sewer systems or septic tanks. In fact, evidence shows that these products—including baby wipes—are responsible for serious blockages in municipal sewer lines as well as private septic systems. As more and more consumers rely on these wipes to replace toilet paper during the pandemic, the rate of sewer backups is increasing across the country.

4. Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes are an essential resource in fighting against viruses—such as the novel coronavirus that’s responsible for COVID-19 infections. But while this material may be good for the surfaces in your home, they aren’t fit for the toilet. Since these bulky products are linked to serious obstructions in household and municipal sewage lines, it’s best to throw them in the trash.

If you must resort to these alternatives while toilet paper supplies are low across the area, dispose of them in a sanitary fashion in a trash can. If your bathroom equipment is starting to act up, Keefe Plumbing Company has the resources to swiftly identify the problem and provide a reliable fix. From snaking out blockages to providing 24-hour emergency sewer line repair, these trained professionals can tackle both small and large jobs with confidence—and keep your rates affordable. To learn more about this Chattanooga, TN, plumbing company, visit their website. For service requests, call (423) 622-3178.