10 Things You Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet

Flushing items besides what the toilet was created to flush can cause blockages and sewage backups. Over time, it can lead to significant issues in the pipes which may lead to them needing to be replaced. What can’t be flushed down the toilet? Never flush any of the following items.

Baby Wipes

Baby wipes are often labeled as flushable, but they actually still take too long to break down and may not break down completely. They may end up causing a blockage in the plumbing, which will mean it’s time to call plumbers nampa for help.

Diapers

Diapers are going to end up clogging the toilet, so they should never be flushed. Storage meant for diapers that can help contain the smell until it is emptied is a much better option for diapers.

Dental Floss

Dental floss can end up clogging the pipes if it gets caught on anything. It then makes it easier for other things that are flushed to get stuck in the pipes, too. Plus, the floss can end up tangling parts of the septic system and cause damage to the motor.

Medications

Medications that are flushed can end up contaminating lakes and streams, which can hurt fish and other wildlife. Instead, take them to a disposal site or look into ways to safely dispose of medications.

Paper Towels or Tissues

Though they may look similar to toilet paper, tissues and paper towels are not going to end up breaking down in the water. This means they’re likely to end up causing a blockage in the toilet, especially if they’re flushed regularly.

Cat Litter

Today, there are brands of cat litter that claim to be flushable to easily dispose of them, but it’s still not a good idea. The cat litter likely isn’t going to move through the pipes easily and is going to end up causing a blockage. Do not flush cat waste, either, because the waste isn’t going to break down fast enough in the water.

Cooking Grease

Disposing of cooking grease by flushing it can cause a sewer backup and may end up damaging the toilet or pipes in the home. Instead, pour the grease or cooking oils into a container and allow them to solidify. They can then be tossed with the trash.

Fish

If a fish has passed away, it’s not a good idea to flush it down the toilet. The fish isn’t going to break down, so it can cause the pipes to become blocked. Instead, it may be a good idea to bury the fish or find a different disposal method.

Food

Food should never be flushed down the toilet. Though it will break down eventually, it can end up causing a clog before it fully breaks down. Food waste should always be tossed with the trash or composted.

Cotton Balls

Cotton balls and related products aren’t going to break down or dissolve in the toilet. Instead, they’ll end up causing a blockage when they build up in the pipes. They can quickly build up, too, leading to a blockage that can be hard to remove.

None of these items should be flushed down the toilet because of the risk of blockages or other issues. Instead, find other ways to dispose of them properly to protect the home and the environment.