Don’t do it! Don’t mistreat your toilet! Some things are just not meant to be flushed. The list is larger than you might expect. Plumbing is not designed to function like a general trash can. Here are some key things to avoid, and some may surprise you!
The ‘No-Flush’ List
Unlike natural human waste and water-soluble tissue paper, all of the following are likely to cause backups at the sewer-line level or to get caught in or corrode the pipes closer to your toilet:
- Wet wipes (even ones marketed as ‘flushable’)
- Hygiene products (tampons, band-aids, Q-tips, etc.)
- Toilet scrub pads
- Food scraps or gum
- Bleach
- Paper towels
- Cat litter
- Hair
- Certain medications (when in doubt, check the FDA’s flush list, and if your medication is unlisted, follow the non-flush instructions)
- Pets (obviously!)
- Diapers or baby wipes
- Toys
Plumbers could tell you many horror stories of even stranger clogs caused by an errant flush, but to avoid horror stories of your own, stay smart and vigilant. If you do find your toilet clogging up and overflowing, try to shut-off the water supply valve, which will likely be below the tank and then call our experts.
If you want over 60 years of plumbing experience to help you the next time you have a concern, call 806-373-7866 to reach Pratt Plumbing, your trusted plumbers in the Greater Amarillo Area.
