August 04/2022
What Can Safely Go Down Your Toilet?
Toilets are an essential part of your daily life and your plumbing system. It is an incredible convenience for you. However, many people keep forgetting that they are designed only to get rid of human waste, not other objects. Therefore, you should avoid flushing certain objects for the sake of your plumbing system. Your pipes are narrower than you think, so even the smallest of objects can cause serious plumbing issues. Eventually, you will need to hire a professional to snake the clog. In this article, we will go over what can safely go down your toilet and what you should avoid flushing.
What Can You Flush Down The Toilet?
Waste: You can safely flush human waste because that’s what the toilet is essentially for. It doesn’t pose any risks.
Toilet paper: toilet paper is specifically designed to dissolve quickly in your plumbing system. So, they are mostly safe to use. However, large amounts of toilet paper can still pose risks for your plumbing system.
Not All Toilet Paper Is the Same
It is important to mention that not every toilet paper has the same effect on your plumbing system. As you already would know, toilet papers differ from one another immensely in terms of quality and texture. Although many people prefer soft and thick types of toilet paper, these qualities make it harder for them to break down in the system.
Items You Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet
Tissues and paper towels
When we are out of toilet paper, our natural tendency is to reach for paper towels or tissues. However, these substitutes aren’t practical at all. That’s because tissues and paper towels are designed to collect water, not to dissolve in it. So, they can clog your pipes very easily. In conclusion, always throw paper towels and tissues into the trash and never flush them down your toilet.
Flushable Wipes
Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the fact that flushable wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet despite what the package says. They don’t dissolve in the water quickly and can you’re your pipes easily because of this. So, do not be deceived by what the package is saying and throw these wipes in the trash.
Dental Floss
Dental floss seems like a very harmless product compared to tissues and paper towels. However, normal floss is comprised of Nylon or Teflon. These products can form large balls and will clog your pipes. So, do not flush them down the toilet.
Cotton Balls and Swabs
Another deceiving product is cotton balls and swabs. They seem like very harmless things to flush down but they can cause big trouble for your plumbing system. After being flushed, they accumulate because they don’t degrade in the water and eventually will lead to clogs and may even break some pipes.
Pills
Pills, in the form of tablets or capsules, can clog your pipes. Remember that a secure way of disposing of the pills is to bring them to your pharmacy.
Bandages
Most bandages are made of plastic that can’t degrade. So, flushing them down the toilet will contaminate water systems. In addition, since they have sticky parts, they may stick to other objects that are flushed down and will even make a bigger clog. Always throw your bandages in the trash can.
Need Help With Your Plumbing System?
Did your toilet clog? Normally, with the help of a plunger, you can fix a small clog. However, if the clog is too big or way too deep for a plunger, you should call the professionals of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey. Whether you have a clog, need toilet repair, or have issues with a part of your plumbing system, our dependable plumbers are ready to help you. Call us today!
