What can I flush down the toilet?
What can you flush down the toilet and what should you flush are two very different questions with very different answers.
Toilets are built to flush anything that will fit down them, which is an amazing feature! Some toilet manufactures even boast that their toilets can flush golf balls and other odd objects. But, we should be focused on what the drain lines of your home can handle instead of what the toilet can.
Most residential drain lines in the Houston region are 3 or 4 inch pipes. When you consider what is being pushed through a hole of this size if puts things in perspective. When we discuss what should or shouldn’t be flushed our main thought is how will that item do in the drain lines, will it do as it should or could that cause a clog or blockage?
Blockages and drain line issues can be some of the most expensive plumbing repairs needed in a home, and as a homeowner its best to equip yourself with the knowledge to avoid these when possible.
Here is a cute video or owner, Jerrys, grandchildren demonstrating what not to do.
Below are a few of the samples we have seen in the past.
Can you flush DENTAL FLOSS down the toilet?
As convenient as this would be, it can wrap around other items that have been flushed and create large masses in your drain lines that aren’t easily made to go all the way to sewer.
Can you flush DIAPERS down the toilet?
Diapers are very absorbent and can cause a blockage very quickly if flushed down the toilet. It is more common than you might think especially in a commercial environment, but they do not break down and are much thicker and sturdier than toilet paper.
Can you flush COTTON BALLS/ COTTON SWABS down the toilet?
When flushed these items do not break down like toilet paper is designed to, they can clump together and attach to other flushed items, they can also collect in corners of pipes and cause issues for drainage.
Can you flush BABY WIPES down the toilet?
Even though most packaging states they are flushable we advise not flushing them! They do not break down and will cause a clog.
Can you flush CAT LITTER down the toilet?
Cat litter has sand and clay that will clog pipes. Even the fancy stuff is never recommended to be flushed.
Can you flush PAPER TOWELS down the toilet?
Flushing paper towels down is not recommended, they are not built like toilet tissue and do not break down in drains.
Can you flush BANDAIDS down the toilet?
This is not recommended because they are sticky, and they are plastic. They will stick to the walls of the drain line or attach to other debris causing blockages.
Can you flush TAMPONS down the toilet?
It is not recommended. We have seen time after time a build up in drains due to this product being flushed, the plastic portion as well as the cotton portion WILL cause problems. It is best to always dispose of any feminine hygiene product in the trash.
What CAN I flush down the toilet?
Human waste and toilet paper are the ONLY things we recommend flushing down the toilet. All homes should be well suited to handle these things. Should you find yourself in a situation where this is not the case, please call a plumber to camera your drain lines, a properly plumbed home should be able to tackle this. Any other found object you can think of should not be flushed down the toilet.
Are you finding yourself in a clogged drain situation because you found this page too late? No problem, Click below to learn more about our drain cleaning services.
https://www.jdprecisionplumbing.com/plumbing/drain-cleaning/
