There are many things we know to be true without being told. From seeing life on our own to being told by people with more experience, starting with our parents, we have a good idea of how to most parts of our homes run. But sometimes we don’t do the best we can, especially with tossing strange things into the toilet. Read the following list of banned items to flush down your toilet to keep it clog-free.
1. Baby Wipes
Baby wipes might make things easier, but they make flushing tougher. Even the baby wipes marked as “flushable” should be thrown in the trash. These flushable wipes don’t disintegrate in the same way that toilet paper does, leading to problems further into your piping.
2. Cotton Pads and Q-Tips
Anything cotton, including Q-Tips, should be kept away from the toilet. From cotton balls to cotton pads to make-up removing wipes, throw it all in the trash to avoid clogs.
3. Menstrual or Feminine Products
Keep tampons, pads, and other menstrual products out of your toilet. Feminine products are specifically used to absorb liquid instead of break down in water. Once flushed, these items tend to expand instead of shrink. To maintain privacy, try wrapping the product in toilet paper and then finding a trash can for it.
4. Condoms
Another item not meant to break down in water is a condom. Once these items make their way through your plumbing system, they tend to catch on debris and can wrap around filter sections.
5. Diapers
Diapers, like feminine products, are made to absorb liquid. Put into a toilet, they will cause similar problems when expanding within the plumbing system. Don’t jam up your pipes, even if you can somehow get a toilet flushed.
6. Tissues and Paper Towels
Paper towels, tissues, and toilet paper all seem similar. Unfortunately for your toilet, each of these products is unique. Make sure to throw your tissues and paper towels in the trash no matter what. If you miss getting toilet paper at the store, make sure to have a trash can nearby for your waste wipes.
7. Medication
Getting rid of old pills can be a drag. But toilet water won’t break down your medication. There can even be environmental concerns of adding toxicity to the water supply if you try to flush meds.
8. Cigarette Butts
Cigarette butts also add toxicity to the water system. Butts can also lead to clogs. If needed, pour water on a cigarette to douse it, then put it in the trash.
9. Gum
Gum is another one that doesn’t break down in water. The stickiness of gum lends itself to grabbing your piping and not letting go.
What do I do when your toilet doesn’t clear
Even if you and your family avoided putting any of these items in the toilet, it might get backed up. The first step is to try clearing the problem with a plunger. If that isn’t working, don’t wait until the toilet water flows out of your bathroom and into the rest of your home. Get in touch with Plano’s plumbing experts at Kelly Plumbing and Leak Detection. Our technicians have experience getting out the worse clogs and can even make sure your pipes are good to go for the future.
Give the team at Kelly Plumbing and Leak Detection a call today at 972-774-8722 to have your problem fixed today.