Flushing is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your pipes healthy, but it’s also important to know what you should and shouldn’t flush down the toilet. Some common questions we have seen include: “Can I flush wipes?”, “Can I flush tampons?”, and even “Can I flush cat litter?”
Many people don’t realize that there are certain items that can cause serious damage to their pipes and even lead to a plumbing emergency. In this blog post, we’ll go over the do’s and don’ts of flushing and how to take care of your pipes so you can extend the life of your toilet!
Things You Can Flush
It’s a common misconception that your toilet can handle just about anything. However, there are a few things you should avoid flushing down the toilet. Before we discuss what you shouldn’t flush, however, let’s talk about some of the things you can flush!
- Toilet paper: This is a no-brainer! Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly and will not clog your pipes.
- Human waste: Urine and feces should always be flushed down the toilet.
- Water: A small amount of water can help to flush away any waste that may be stuck in your pipes.
Things You Cannot Flush
While there are some things that are safe to flush, there are also many items that should never be flushed down the toilet. These items can cause serious damage to your pipes and lead to costly repairs. Some of the most common items that should not be flushed include:
- Flushable wipes: While these may be marketed as “flushable,” they actually don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper and can cause clogs.
- Tampons: Tampons expand when wet and get stuck in your pipes.
- Cat litter: Cat litter can absorb water and expand, causing clogs.
- Baby wipes: Baby wipes are not biodegradable and can cause major clogs.
The Importance of Understanding the Difference
It’s important to understand the difference between things that are safe to flush and things that should not be flushed. Flushing the wrong items down the toilet can lead to costly repairs or even a plumbing emergency. If you’re ever unsure about whether or not something is safe to flush, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and throw it in the trash.
How to Take Care of Your Pipes To Extend Your Toilet’s Life
There are a few simple things you can do to take care of your pipes and extend the life of your toilet.
- Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, human waste, and a small amount of water.
- Never pour grease or oil down the drain.
- Periodically check for leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible.
- Have your pipes cleaned by a professional every few years.
If you ever find yourself in the middle of a flushing emergency, call a plumber right away!
How Bell Cow Can Help
At Bell Cow, we’re here to help you keep your pipes healthy and keep you informed. If you have any questions about what you should or shouldn’t flush, we’re always happy to help! Contact us today to learn more about our services.