One of the major causes of sewer clogs are from items homeowners flush down their toilets. There are a number of items that should never be flushed down the toilet, including those that may have “flushable” on the packaging. The items that get flushed down a toilet often lead to a clog somewhere within the drainage system or in the sewer line. Both are bad news and can cause pipes to burst or backup. The Original $49.99 Plumber will share what items should never be flushed down the toilet.

Do Not Dispose of Flushable Wipes in Toilet

One of the surprising items on the do not flush list is flushable wipes. This comes as a surprise to many because the label says flushable. These wipes will eventually degrade but not inside you sewer line. Flushable wipes don’t degrade fast at all and as you flush, one by one they can get caught inside the pipe and begin to build up and develop a clog. Baby wipes and flushable wipes should actually never be flushed down the toilets as they are one of the leading causes of clogs.

What Happens if I Flush Cigarettes Down the Toilet?

Many smokers will throw their cigarette butts into the toilet as a quick and safe way to dispose of their cigarettes. Well, this too is a major problem. Cigarettes do not break down and can also cause clogs in the plumbing and sewer lines. Too often the cigarettes butts will stick to the side of the pipes and eventually the butts and other items flushed down the toilet will accumulate and build up into a clogs.

Can You Flush Paper Towels Down the Toilet?

Yes, never flush paper towels down the toilet. Paper towels are not like toilet paper as many may believe. They are too big and don’t break down very fast. Many people, after cleaning up a quick mess in the bathroom will often throw the paper towel into the toilet and flush it down. In many cases, the toilet will clog immediately, other times the paper towel will cause a clog in the sewer.

Flushing Sanitary Pads or Tampons

Many sanitary pads and tampons are flushed down the toilet. As some tampons may say flushable, they should never be flushed down the toilet. Feminine toiletries should never be flushed down the toilet as they also cause clogs and cause backups to occur. Other hygiene products should also be avoided such as cotton balls and facial wipes.

Is it OK to Flush Gauze & Band Aids?

Sometimes after a minor injury, band-aids are changed out as well as gauze pads. Once changed they are thrown into the toilet for disposal. Band-aids and gauze pads again should never be flushed down the toilets. Neither of them degrade and again, should not be flushed as they will cause a clog.

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There are a number of items that make their way into the toilet and through the sewer system. All too often these item are the culprit of clogs and even backups. Sewer backups are not just messy but hazardous as the water can contaminate the entire home. Often major renovations are needed to remove the contaminated materials and this produces costly repairs. Pipes can also burst due to a clog as the pressure inside the pipes can build up. It is important to know what not to flush down the toilet. To make it simple, only use toilet paper as it breaks up quickly once flushed. If you have a sewer clog or if you need your sewer line inspected and/or cleaned, contact The Original $49.99 Plumber today.