While toilets are convenient for disposing of waste, they shouldn't be used in place of trash cans. Flushing certain items can result in clogs, which can lead to slow draining or, worse, backup. To avoid the need for septic repair and drain cleaning services, be careful how you get rid of the following.

What Not to Flush

1. Flushable Wipes

Based on their advertising, it is natural for homeowners to assume that wipes are flushable. However, they are often made of materials that don’t break down—or that take too long to do so. As a result, they end up clogging pipes and sewers. Tissues and paper towels can cause similar issues. Tissue paper is the only safe paper product to send down your toilet.

2. Kitty Litter

Like wipes, kitty litter brands sometimes claim their products are “flushable.” However, this sand-like substance is meant to clump together when exposed to liquid, which can lead to blockages. Instead, the crystals should be bagged and thrown into the garbage.

3. Dental Floss

Dental floss is so thin that it seems like it would be harmless to flush. However, it is made of strong material that won’t disintegrate. It can get tangled on its way down your drain, catching on other items that follow after it to form a clog. Additionally, it can wrap around components within your septic system—such as the motor—resulting in the need for septic repair.

4. Medication

By flushing your prescriptions, you introduce those chemicals into the water supply system. This can have a direct negative impact on the environment. Instead, add vinegar to the pills, reseal the prescription bottle, and toss it in the trash. Cigarettes also have toxic properties and should be thrown away instead of flushed.

5. Excessive Amounts of Toilet Paper

Sometimes, momentum can cause you to spool out more toilet paper than you intended. However, while this material is meant to disintegrate, it has a harder time doing so in large quantities. Try to use only as much toilet paper as needed. Alternatively, flush a little down at a time.

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While taking the above precautions should help you avoid clogs, other issues may plague your septic system. In that case, turn to Downs Drain & Septic Service in Peninsula, OH, for septic repair. Not only does this team have the experience to identify your issue, but they also have access to advanced video inspection technology to make this process as quick and easy as possible. To schedule an appointment, call (330) 929-5555. Learn more about their offerings online.