As plumbers, we at Irock Plumbing Rochester NY have seen it all regarding clogged toilets. One of the most common issues we encounter is non-flushable items being flushed down the toilet. It may seem harmless to flush items like diapers and wipes, but in reality, they can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why it’s essential only to flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet, and how you can prevent clogs and backups in your home.
First, let’s define what is considered “flushable.” Contrary to popular belief, not everything that can fit down the toilet bowl can be flushed down it. The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are toilet paper and human waste. This means that any other materials, including but not limited to diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and cotton swabs, should never be flushed down the toilet.
So why is it so important to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet? Well, when non-flushable items are flushed down the toilet, they can cause serious damage to your plumbing system. For example, diapers are designed to absorb moisture and expand in size, which can cause them to get stuck in the pipes and create a blockage. Similarly, wipes and feminine hygiene products do not break down as easily as toilet paper and can also lead to clogs.
When your plumbing system becomes clogged, it can cause serious issues in your home. For example, sewage backups can lead to water damage and health hazards. The last thing you want is sewage water backing up into your home, causing damage and creating a foul odor. In addition, clogs can cause your toilet to stop flushing properly, which can be a major inconvenience and lead to further issues with your plumbing system.
To prevent non-flushable items from being flushed down the toilet, we recommend educating yourself and your family members about what can and cannot be flushed. If you have young children, it’s important to teach them from an early age that only toilet paper and human waste should be flushed down the toilet. You can also place a sign in your bathroom reminding people not to flush non-flushable items down the toilet.
Another way to prevent clogs and backups is to provide a trash can in your bathroom. This way, people can dispose of non-flushable items like wipes and feminine hygiene products in the trash can instead of flushing them down the toilet.
Finally, it’s important to have your plumbing system inspected and maintained regularly by a professional plumber. Regular maintenance can help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. Additionally, a professional plumber can provide advice on how to keep your plumbing system in good condition and prevent clogs and backups.
In conclusion, flushing non-flushable items down the toilet can cause serious damage to your plumbing system and lead to sewage backups and health hazards. It’s important to only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet, educate yourself and your family members about what can and cannot be flushed, provide a trash can in your bathroom, and have your plumbing system inspected and maintained regularly by a professional plumber.
At Irock Plumbing Rochester NY, we’re committed to helping you keep your plumbing system in good condition and preventing clogs and backups. If you’re experiencing any issues with your plumbing system or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment, don’t hesitate to call us. Our team of expert plumbers is here to help you with all your plumbing needs.
