Although it might seem easy to flush everything down the toilet, this can lead to serious plumbing problems.
Even though the modern plumbing system in Long Beach has improved tremendously over the years there are still many things that can cause toilet clogs and sewer line backups.
Even “flushable items” can cause damage to your plumbing system. Many manufacturers label their products as “flushable” to indicate that the item can go down the toilet. However, just because it does, doesn’t mean it won’t cause a sewer backup or a toilet clog.
These ten items should be kept out of your toilet to reduce the risk of having plumbing problems.
10 Things You Don’t Need to Flush the Toilet
- Paper Towels– Unless your life is so miserable that you feel the need to call a plumber, ensure you have a trash basket for paper towels. These towels are too thick for flushing.
- Flushable Wipes — Regardless of whether it’s a baby or other “flushable”, it shouldn’t go in the toilet. These wipes are being filtered out of the plumbing systems of cities around the globe by millions of dollars.
- Prophylactics – These can cause serious embarrassment if they get back into the bowl.
- Dental Floss – It may seem strange that such a thin string could cause problems but dental floss isn’t biodegradable. It likes to clump up and create a clog.
- Kitty Litter is designed to clump when moistened. Kitty litter can clog your pipes and cause a blockage.
- Cigarette Butts– When flushed, cigarettes butts can end up in the water supply. They don’t disintegrate as quickly as you might believe.
- Female Hygiene Products — Despite what the boxes may suggest, flushing these items is not a good idea. Even if you don’t use them, keep a trashcan in each bathroom.
- Medication Animals don’t need prescriptions to take medicines, but they will end up taking yours if there are any. You can keep Long Beach’s water supply clean by not flushing any medication down the toilet.
- Cotton Balls & Swabs – Although they may seem small when flushed one at a while, they love to clog pipes.
- Diapers We understand that you want your diapers to smell fresh and fast. But, we can’t. Your toilet won’t take it.