What should you never flush down the toilet?

Many toilet clogs happen because everyday items that seem harmless are flushed when they should not be. Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. Anything else can lead to clogs, backups, or damage to your plumbing system.

TL;DR

• Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed.
• Paper towels, wipes, and hygiene products clog pipes.
• Toys and pet waste can cause serious plumbing problems.
• Even too much toilet paper at once can block a toilet.
• When plunging does not work, call a plumber before damage spreads.

Toilet paper alternatives

Running out of toilet paper happens, but paper towels, napkins, and coffee filters are not safe substitutes. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly in water. Most other paper products are designed to stay strong when wet.

These materials can bunch together, block pipes, and cause stubborn clogs. Even wipes labeled as flushable do not break down properly.

Feminine hygiene products also cause problems. While some tampons may pass through temporarily, plastic applicators and sanitary products should never be flushed.

Even toilet paper can clog a toilet if too much is flushed at once. Large wads may only dissolve on the outside, forming a solid mass. Using smaller amounts between flushes helps prevent this issue.

Toys

Small toys can easily fall into the toilet, especially in homes with young children. Keeping the toilet lid closed and the bathroom door shut helps prevent accidental flushes.

Bathrooms should not be used as play areas. A single toy flushed down the toilet can block the trap or lodge deeper in the drain line.

Pet waste

Pet waste should never be flushed, especially in homes with septic systems. Dog waste can contain hair, grass, and other materials that do not break down properly.

Plastic waste bags should never be flushed under any circumstances. Even homes connected to public sewer systems should proceed with caution, as animal waste can introduce pathogens and increase the risk of clogs.

Animals

Despite old myths and jokes, flushing pets or animals down the toilet is never a good idea. Fish, reptiles, rodents, and other animals can block pipes and create sanitation issues.

What to do if your toilet is clogged

A plunger or plumbing snake can clear many minor toilet clogs. If the toilet continues to back up or plunging does not work, it is time to call a plumber.

Ignoring a clog or repeatedly flushing can lead to overflows, water damage, and more expensive repairs. If your toilet is clogged, give us a call!