You depend on your toilets to flush away waste and toilet paper. However, many homeowners put harmful items down their toilets without realizing the consequences. While it may seem convenient to dispose of these items in the toilet, doing so can lead to serious plumbing issues.
Here, Avid Plumbing provides the information you need to keep your toilets operating smoothly and avoid costly repairs for your Madison, WI, home. From everyday items you might think are harmless to some surprising culprits, we’ll explain why they don’t belong in the toilet and offer tips for proper disposal.
How To Keep Your Toilet Working Effectively
Keeping your toilet in top shape is easier than you might think. Just remember a few simple tips: Only flush toilet paper and human waste, avoid harsh chemicals that can damage pipes, and give your toilet a quick inspection now and then to catch any issues early. Regular maintenance and mindful usage will help ensure your toilet remains reliable and efficient for years to come.
8 Things To Avoid Flushing
It’s important to know that not everything belongs in your plumbing system. Flushing the wrong items can lead to clogs, costly repairs, and environmental harm. To keep your toilet running smoothly, check out our list of things you should never flush. Your pipes — and your wallet — will thank you.
- Paper towels: Unlike toilet paper, paper towels are stronger and don’t dissolve easily in water. Flushing them can result in stubborn clogs that are difficult to clear.
- Sanitary products: Tampons, pads, and other menstrual products are designed to absorb liquids and can easily block your pipes. Always dispose of them in the trash to avoid plumbing problems.
- Cotton balls and swabs: Cotton balls and swabs don’t break down and can contribute to blockages in your plumbing. They’re best disposed of in the trash to prevent potential plumbing issues.
- Dental floss: Dental floss is strong and can get tangled in your pipes, leading to significant clogs. Dispose of it in the trash rather than flushing it down the toilet.
- Grease and oil: Flushing grease and oil can cause them to solidify and form blockages in your pipes. Instead, pour them into a container and discard them in the trash.
- Medications: Flushing medications can contaminate water supplies and harm the environment. It’s safer to use designated medication disposal methods or take them to a pharmacy for proper disposal.
- Wet wipes: Even if labeled as “flushable,” wet wipes do not break down like toilet paper. They can accumulate in your pipes and lead to severe clogs and plumbing issues.
- Food scraps: Food scraps can cause clogs and attract pests if flushed down the toilet. Toss them in the trash or compost them to keep your plumbing in good condition.
Schedule Toilet Services
Do you need top-notch bathroom plumbing services, including toilet repair or replacement? Avid Plumbing provides reliable and efficient plumbing services in Madison, WI, and nearby. We back our work with a minimum one-year labor and material warranty so you can have peace of mind. With same-day service always available and fully stocked trucks, we’re equipped to address your plumbing issues swiftly.
Call Avid Plumbing today to schedule toilet repairs in Madison, WI.