Do Not Flush These Things Down Your Toilet
Never underestimate the importance of keeping your plumbing in good working order. Your toilet is one of the most used fixtures in your home, so it is worth treating it with care. One of the quickest ways to end up with a clog or backup is flushing items that are not designed for toilets, sewer lines, or septic systems.
At Fairfax Plumbing NV, we regularly help homeowners and businesses with toilet clogs, sewer backups, and septic related drain issues that start with the wrong items being flushed. To help you avoid overflows, blockages, and costly repairs, here are the items that should never go down the toilet.
Items you should never flush down the toilet
Baby wipes and diapers
Baby wipes and diapers belong in the trash. Even when packaging says “flushable,” wipes often do not break down like toilet paper. Diapers and many wipes contain absorbent materials that expand when wet, which makes them especially likely to snag in pipes and create stubborn clogs.
Feminine hygiene products
Tampons, pads, and applicators are not flushable. These products are designed to absorb moisture and hold their shape, so they can get stuck in plumbing and contribute to major sewer or septic blockages. Dispose of them in the trash to prevent backups.
Cleaning products
Cleaning wipes, disinfecting pads, and similar products should not be flushed. Many do not break down properly, and some contain chemicals that are not ideal for septic systems. When in doubt, throw them away instead of flushing them.
Paper towels
Paper towels may look similar to toilet paper, but they are made to be stronger and more absorbent. That strength means they do not break down quickly in water, which increases the chance of a clog in your toilet, drain line, or sewer connection. Always place paper towels in the trash.
Cigarette butts
Cigarette butts take a long time to break down and can easily get caught in the plumbing system. They can also contribute to buildup and blockages over time. Dispose of them in an ashtray or proper waste container.
Medication
Do not flush medication. Flushing drugs can contaminate water systems and create environmental and public health risks. Use local medication take back programs when available. If you are not sure where to go, ask your pharmacy about approved disposal options.
Coins, toys, and other small objects
Just because something fits does not mean it is safe to flush. Small objects can lodge in the toilet trap or farther down the line, causing repeated clogs and potentially damaging the toilet. Keep small items away from the toilet, especially in bathrooms used by children.
Hair
Hair does not dissolve in water and can easily form tangles that catch other debris. Flushing hair can lead to clogs, especially when combined with wipes or paper products. Throw hair from brushes or cleaning in the trash.
Beauty care items
Cotton swabs, cotton balls, makeup pads, floss picks, and similar items do not break down like toilet paper. Cotton products can swell and stick, and plastic components can snag in bends and traps. These should always go into the trash.
Food scraps
Food scraps can contribute to clogs and odors, and they can attract pests. In sewer systems, food can lodge in the line and add to buildup. In septic systems, extra solids can interfere with how the tank functions and may contribute to problems in the drain field. Dispose of food in the trash or compost instead.
Kitchen grease and oil
Grease and oil should never be flushed or poured down drains. As they cool, they solidify and cling to pipe walls. Over time, grease buildup can narrow the pipe and cause serious blockages. Let grease cool, collect it in a container, and dispose of it in the trash.
A simple rule to follow
Only human waste and toilet paper should go in the toilet. Everything else should be thrown away properly.
If you are already dealing with slow flushing, gurgling, frequent clogs, or a backup, Fairfax Plumbing NV can help diagnose the cause and clear the blockage safely.