4 Items That Should Never Go Down The Toilet

Toilets tend to clog when materials that aren’t made to break down enter the system. Rather than moving smoothly through the pipes, they catch in the corners and prevent additional materials from passing through. If you have a septic system, you can avoid plumbing emergencies by recognizing which items you should throw in the garbage instead. The following guide provides some useful tips.

What Should You Never Throw in the Toilet?

1. Flushable Wipes

While the packaging indicates that they’re safe for your plumbing, flushable wipes are actually thicker than the average toilet paper and don’t dissolve as quickly. If they can make it past the curves, they’ll only stick in the filter and keep other waste from entering the septic system. Over time, the buildup will begin to travel back up through the pipes and appear in the drains. 

2. Dental Floss

It might seem thin enough to work its way through the pipes, but dental floss is another material that can cause internal issues. If it tangles, the web that it creates will block the pipes and capture any other large pieces of waste. Eventually, it will turn into a clog that could prevent further flushes. 

3. Feminine Hygiene Products

These products are unique because they’re made to absorb liquids. Dumping them into the toilet will only cause them to soak up as much water as possible, which naturally forces the material to expand. Once the cotton fills the pipe, there will be nowhere else for the waste to go except back up through the toilet. 

4. Kitty Litter

Flushing litter may seem like an easier solution to cleaning up after your pet, but it can cause issues. This material is also made to absorb liquids and thickens until it turns into a solid clump. If it gets into your plumbing, the pipes will begin to pack tightly and soon become completely blocked.