Some people find their toilets make for a convenient trash receptacle, since everything you flush seems to magically disappear. But toilets are made to dispose of human waste—and human waste only. A toilet should never be used for anything else. To keep your toilet (and pipes) in good working condition, here is a list of things you should never, ever flush.
Adult or Baby Wipes
Baby wipes seem like they should belong in the flushable category, but they are far too sturdy to go down the toilet smoothly. Too many wipes, and you’ll be looking at a clog; these products don’t break down easily. The same goes for those adult wipes which are becoming increasingly popular now.
Medications
Most people who flush meds down the toilet are trying to do the safe thing and keep drugs out of the wrong hands. Unfortunately, our marine animals pay the price. Imagine what happens to a dolphin that ingests a mix of Xanax, heart pills, and sleeping pills. Not only can medications harm animals, but they also pollute our waters and end up in our drinking water. The FDA provides safe guidelines for medication disposal.
Cotton Balls or Swabs
You might think a little ball of cotton is harmless, but these products can create an enormous problem in your piping. These swabs can expand and cause clogs, because the fibers like to mass together. Like wipes, they don’t break down as easily as you might imagine.
Cigarette Butts
Under no circumstances is it OK to flush down cigarettes. Cigarettes are full of nasty chemicals that contaminate our water and harm fish and other creatures.
Pets
Returning your favorite fish to the water after his death may seem poetic, but your toilet won’t appreciate it. A fish, or any other small animal, is a recipe for a clog. Just don’t do it.
Cat Litter
If it contains feces, its OK to flush—right? Wrong. Cat litter, in particular, is made of components that are terrible for your drain. The clay and sand in litter can solidify and cause plumbing issues. The feces itself may also pose a problem to certain ocean life because of toxins that it contains, so just grab a garbage bag and dispose of it that way.
Grease or Fats
Fats and grease may go down as a liquid, but they can solidify at cooler temperatures into solid clumps. These are a hazard to your plumbing and the sewer system. That’s why no fats or grease should ever go down your drain or toilet, including automotive grease. If you’re concerned that you’ve recently flushed some of the above down the toilet, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at C&W Plumbing.
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