The bathroom is easily one of the most used rooms in your home or apartment. And this, of course, includes the toilet, where water waste can regularly occur. In homes with older toilets, nearly three gallons of water goes down with every flush, with newer models using a little over a gallon per flush. Residential plumbers say keeping the commode in working order means avoiding flushing certain items that are harmful to the system. Here are several to keep in mind.

What You Should Never Flush Down a Toilet

1. Feminine Products

The materials used to make sanitary pads and tampons are not made to break down when they come into contact with water. Due to this, flushing these feminine products down the toilet will likely cause a clog. To avoid this, place a small, covered trash can in your bathroom so family and guests can properly dispose the items there.

2. Cigarette Butts

Given their small size, it may seem easy to flush cigarette butts down the toilet. In reality, residential plumbers say they don’t disintegrate in water and could instead cause a serious backup. The chemicals in cigarette butts could also end up in local waterways. Safely and completely extinguish them before discarding them in a trash receptacle.

3. Baby & Facial Wipes

The fibers inside these popular cleaning cloths are too thick to break down in flushed toilet water. While some products may have the word “flushable” on the container, residential plumbers strongly advise against doing so. Baby and facial wipes are known to damage plumbing systems and cause clogs.

4. Kitty Litter

When a cat uses the litter box, the material is purposely made to form clumps, and these same mounds will clog up your toilet. Instead, pour litter in a separate bag, secure it with a twist tie, and toss it in the trash. 

5. Hair

Over time, strands of hair can form large balls and cause havoc on your home’s plumbing. Make it a habit to clean your combs and brushes over a trash can. Similarly, clean pet grooming tools away from the toilet as well.

By following a few proactive measures, you can help protect your house’s plumbing. JB Water in Mesa, AZ, provides expert and 24/7 emergency service to clients throughout the area. The family-owned business has a team of licensed and experienced commercial and residential plumbers who get the job done right the first time. For a free estimate, call (480) 969-3193. Visit their website for more information on all plumbing services and water treatment options.