It’s easy to assume that your toilet can handle any waste that needs to be disposed of, but certain items should never make their way into the bowl. As a top plumbing service in London, Ontario, we regularly deal with plumbing issues caused by things that shouldn’t have been flushed in the first place. If you want to avoid unnecessary plumbing repairs and costly messes, here are seventeen things you should never flush down your toilet.
Here are Seventeen Things You Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet
Paper Tissues and Towels
While paper tissues and paper towels may seem like they should be safe to flush, they are not. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to break down quickly in water, paper tissues and towels are thicker and don’t dissolve easily. When flushed, they can clump together and cause significant blockages in your pipes. Always dispose of paper tissues and towels in the trash to prevent clogs and avoid unnecessary plumbing issues.
Hair
Hair is another common culprit when it comes to clogged toilets. Just like coffee grounds, hair doesn’t break down in water and can quickly form clumps in your pipes, leading to blockages. Whether it’s from shaving, brushing, or cleaning your drain, always dispose of hair in the trash instead of flushing it down the toilet. Hair can cause problems for your plumbing, and removing it from the system is often a tedious and expensive job for professional plumbers.
Dental Floss
Dental floss may seem small and harmless, but it can create major plumbing issues. It’s not biodegradable and can easily get tangled in your pipes, leading to clogs. Over time, dental floss can build up in your plumbing system, causing blockages that disrupt the flow of water. Always dispose of dental floss in the trash, and never flush it down the toilet to avoid costly plumbing repairs.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Feminine hygiene products such as tampons, pads, and liners should never be flushed down the toilet. Despite being marketed as “flushable,” these items are too large and dense to break down properly. They can easily cause clogs in your pipes and lead to severe plumbing problems. It’s best to dispose of these products in the trash to keep your plumbing system functioning properly.
Flushable Wipes
Although marketed as “flushable,” these wipes can cause major plumbing problems. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to break down quickly in water, flushable wipes do not disintegrate as easily. They can accumulate in your pipes, leading to blockages and clogs. Over time, these wipes can form a thick sludge that can back up your plumbing and even damage your septic system. To avoid costly plumbing repairs, it’s best to dispose of wipes in the trash rather than flushing them down the toilet.
Condoms
Condoms are another common item people think is safe to flush, but they can cause major issues for your plumbing system. Made of rubber, condoms don’t break down in water and can easily get stuck in the pipes. This can lead to backups and clogs that require the attention of a professional plumber. Always dispose of condoms in the trash, and avoid flushing them down the toilet to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Diapers
Diapers are one of the most common items people mistakenly flush down the toilet. They are bulky and designed to absorb moisture, making them impossible to break down in the plumbing system. Flushing diapers can lead to serious blockages, causing clogs in your pipes and backed-up sewage lines. Always dispose of diapers in the trash, and never flush them down the toilet to avoid plumbing disruptions.
Cotton Products
Cotton products such as Q-tips, cotton swabs, and face pads should never be flushed down the toilet. Despite their small size, these items don’t break down in water and can cause serious blockages in your plumbing. They can get stuck in pipes or septic systems, leading to costly repairs. Even “biodegradable” cotton swabs don’t dissolve quickly enough in water to be safely flushed. Always dispose of cotton products in the trash to keep your plumbing system clear and functioning properly.
Cleaning Products and Toxic Chemicals
Many people mistakenly believe that it’s okay to flush leftover cleaning products or toxic chemicals down the toilet. In reality, doing so can cause serious damage to both your plumbing and the environment. Harsh chemicals, such as bleach, drain cleaners, or solvents, can corrode pipes over time, leading to leaks and costly repairs. These chemicals can also contaminate the water supply, making it difficult to clean and recycle water. Additionally, paint and construction debris like wood chips or drywall should never be flushed. Instead, always dispose of cleaning products, toxic chemicals, paint, and construction materials in the proper waste containers to avoid plumbing issues and environmental harm.
Cat Litter
Cat litter is another item that should never be flushed down the toilet. While some brands claim to be “flushable,” they can still cause significant plumbing problems. Cat litter, even the flushable kind, can easily clump together and create blockages in your pipes. It can also absorb moisture, expanding and hardening within the plumbing system. This can lead to clogs and backups, requiring expensive repairs. To avoid damaging your pipes, always dispose of cat litter in the trash, not the toilet. Keep your plumbing in top shape by properly disposing of this common household waste.
Needles, Medication, and Bandages
Flushing needles, medication, or bandages is not only unsafe, but also harmful to your plumbing and the environment. Needles and drug paraphernalia can cause dangerous blockages in your pipes, while medication can contaminate water systems. Bandages, like cotton products, don’t break down in water and can cause clogs. Always dispose of needles and bandages in a designated disposal bin, and take expired or unused medication to a pharmacy’s proper disposal program. These methods are safer, more responsible, and will help avoid plumbing issues.
Cigarette Butts
Cigarette butts are another item that should never be flushed down the toilet. They may seem small and harmless, but they can cause big problems for your plumbing. Cigarette filters are made of synthetic materials that don’t break down in water. When flushed, they can get stuck in your pipes, leading to blockages. Additionally, the toxic chemicals in cigarette butts can contaminate water systems. Always dispose of cigarette butts in a trash can or a designated disposal container to prevent plumbing issues and protect the environment.
Compost and Food Waste
Food waste might seem like a harmless thing to flush, but it can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Fatty foods, in particular, pose a serious risk to your pipes. Once cooled, fat congeals and binds to pipe walls, leading to clogs. Large food scraps like corncobs, bones, or apple cores should never be flushed. They can cause significant blockages that require professional plumbing intervention to clear. Avoid flushing food waste and instead compost it or dispose of it in the trash.
Coffee Grounds and Tea Leaves
While it’s tempting to rinse coffee grounds or tea leaves down the toilet, doing so can create serious plumbing issues. Just like hair, coffee grounds and tea leaves don’t break down easily and can easily clog your pipes. They tend to form clumps, blocking your pipes and causing slow drainage. Both coffee grounds and tea leaves can create stubborn blockages in your plumbing system. Instead of flushing them, dispose of them in the trash or, better yet, use them for compost. Coffee grounds and tea leaves make excellent natural fertilizers for plants that prefer acidic soil. Avoid flushing these items to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Pasta, Rice, and Oatmeal
Flushing pasta, rice, and oatmeal may seem like a quick solution for food scraps, but it can lead to major plumbing problems. These foods expand when they absorb water, and once they’re flushed, they can swell in your pipes, creating stubborn blockages. This can result in slow drainage or even complete clogs. Instead of flushing these foods, dispose of them in the trash or compost them. Protect your plumbing system by keeping these items out of the toilet.
Cooking Oil and Grease
Many people mistakenly pour cooking oil or grease down the toilet, but it’s one of the worst things you can do for your plumbing. When you pour hot oil or grease into the toilet, it cools down quickly, hardens, and sticks to the insides of your pipes. Over time, this buildup can block your pipes and cause significant clogs. Instead of flushing cooking oil or grease, pour it into a container and dispose of it in the trash or recycle it. This simple change can help you avoid costly plumbing repairs.
Small Pets
It’s typical for small fish to be flushed at the end of their life, but flushing small pets like fish, hamsters or gerbils has also been reported. Regardless of their size, flushing these tiny bodies can cause serious plumbing problems. Moreover, flushing pets can lead to environmental issues, including the introduction of invasive species into local waterways. These animals, or the diseases they may carry, can harm local ecosystems when they enter the water supply. Always dispose of deceased pets in an appropriate manner rather than flushing them down the toilet, protecting both your plumbing and the environment.
Protect Your Plumbing by Avoiding Common Mistakes
Flushing inappropriate items down your toilet may seem like an easy solution, but it can lead to serious plumbing problems that require costly repairs. By being mindful of what you flush, you can protect your plumbing system and avoid unnecessary damage. If you ever find yourself dealing with a stubborn clog or blockage, don’t hesitate to contact BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors in London. Our expert plumbers are here to help with everything from minor issues to major plumbing emergencies.
Regular maintenance and responsible flushing habits will ensure your plumbing system stays in top condition. If you’re unsure whether something is safe to flush, always err on the side of caution and dispose of it properly. With the help of BEST Plumbing, you can keep your pipes clear and your home running smoothly.
Why Choose BEST Plumbing & Drainage?
With over 50 years of experience in the plumbing industry, BEST Plumbing & Drainage is a trusted name for both residential and commercial plumbing solutions in London, Ontario. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to providing high-quality plumbing services, including full plumbing installations, repairs, and drainage solutions.
We handle everything from new construction to complex plumbing issues and provide expert care for both routine and emergency situations. Additionally, we offer a 20-year warranty on many of our services, giving you long-term peace of mind. Whether it’s a residential or commercial plumbing need, trust BEST Plumbing & Drainage for reliable, expert service you can count on.
Contact BEST Plumbing & Drainage Today!
Don’t wait until small plumbing issues turn into major problems. Contact BEST Plumbing & Drainage today to schedule your plumbing inspection, installation, or repair. Our team of experts will ensure your system is running efficiently and safely, preventing costly disruptions to your home or business. We offer 24/7 emergency service for those unexpected plumbing issues, so you can rest easy knowing we’re always here to help.
Protect your plumbing with professional services from BEST Plumbing and Drainage. Call us now at (519) 438-6565 for a free estimate and to keep your pipes flowing smoothly and your home free from plumbing headaches.
