What Can Go Down Your Toilet?
With so many more Americans at home during the day due to the COVID-19 outbreak, residential plumbing is being used more now than ever before. To keep your plumbing working properly, make sure you know what should and should not go down the drain.
Can Flushable Wipes Go Down the Toilet?
No, flushable wipes cannot go down the toilet. Keep in mind that when you purchase “flushable” wipes, they’re marked as such by marketing companies and manufacturers, not plumbing professionals. While these “flushable” wipes may say that they don’t harm your plumbing system on the packaging, they do.
Most wet wipes that are marketed as “flushable” and “septic-safe” are not flushable or septic-safe. While these wipes will eventually break down, they don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper. If you flush wet wipes down the toilet, you may see clogged pipes and other plumbing blockages requiring professional repair.
“Flushable” Wipes Cause Ragging
When wet wipes are flushed down the toilet, they get caught with other items in the sewer line. These other items include sanitary pads, tampons, thick toilet paper, facial tissues, hair, and more. When these items catch up with each other, it creates a problem in the plumbing known as “ragging.” If this happens, you may face significant plumbing repair bills. It’s best to avoid “flushable” wipes altogether.
Can Tampons Go Down the Toilet?
To be safe, the only thing you should flush down the toilet (other than waste) is toilet paper.
No, tampons cannot go down the toilet. Tampons are one of the most commonly-flushed items other than toilet paper. Tampons also cause ragging when flushed down the toilet and can result in costly plumbing bills. While many people may flush their tampons down the toilet after use, this is not recommended, even by the manufacturers.
For example, on the Tampax website, they state that tampons “are biodegradable in landfills, but flushing them is not ideal for tampon disposal. Tampons cannot be processed by wastewater-treatment facilities and they can harm septic systems. Please help us help the environment by disposing of tampons securely in the trash. That way, we can all do our part for the environment.”
Can Kleenex Go Down the Toilet?
No, Kleenex cannot go down the toilet. Kleenex and other facial tissues do not have the same composition as toilet paper and may cause clogs. Since facial tissue doesn’t break down in the plumbing system the same way that toilet paper does, it can lead to blockages in the pipes at bends and other junctions. To be safe, don’t flush anything other than toilet paper and “the obvious” down the toilet.
Can Paper Towels Go Down the Toilet?
No, paper towels cannot go down the toilet. If you run out of toilet paper and must use something else, then it’s best to dispose of it in the garbage rather than down the toilet. Ignoring this advice can cost homeowners a lot of money in avoidable plumbing repairs.
Can Napkins Go Down the Toilet?
No, napkins cannot go down the toilet. As mentioned before, flushing paper products other than toilet paper down the toilet can create clogs and blockages in your home’s plumbing. Do not flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
Can Cat Litter Go Down the Toilet?
No, do not put cat litter down the toilet, even if the packaging says it’s “flushable.” Cat litter tends to linger in the pipes and cause a myriad of plumbing issues. Use biodegradable doggie bags when cleaning out the litter box instead of flushing it down the toilet!
Can Hair Go Down the Toilet?
No, do not flush hair down the toilet. If you find that you’re fishing hair clogs out of the sink and shower all the time, don’t then throw those clumps of hair into the toilet. Throw the hair away in the garbage to save your plumbing!
Can Diapers Go Down the Toilet?
One of the most common causes of severe toilet clogs is diapers. While diapers are meant to hold human waste, they’re not appropriate to flush down the toilet. The plastics and cotton in most disposable diapers will wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing.
Can Food Go Down the Toilet?
No, do not flush food down the toilet. While your little ones may be tempted to get rid of those dreaded vegetables down the commode, this can have disastrous consequences for your wallet if you have to call for emergency plumbing repairs.
Can Fish Go Down the Toilet?
A popular way to say goodbye to our finned friends is to send them “back to the ocean” through the toilet. However, this is not a good way to grieve if you want to keep your plumbing working properly. We suggest holding a memorial service for your beloved fish outside and disposing of its earthly body in the garbage or by burial.
Can Pills Go Down the Toilet?
No, do not flush your expired medication down the toilet. The chemicals in pills can make their way into the water treatment center or the groundwater, which can have disastrous effects on wildlife and public health. Make sure to properly dispose of expired pills and other medication through a community medicine take-back program.
Can Dental Floss Go Down the Toilet?
No, dental floss cannot be flushed down the toilet. Floss can get tangled with other debris in the sewage system, causing blockages. Dispose of dental floss in a small trashcan in the bathroom to dissuade you from tossing it in the convenient commode.
How Can John’s Plumbing & Pumps Help You?
If you find yourself stuck at home with a stubborn toilet clog, call the emergency plumbers at John’s Plumbing & Pumps. We understand that plumbing issues never happen at a convenient time. That’s why we focus so much on customer service and respond to each call that we receive with care. Call now!