The holiday season means it’s that time of the year to enjoy family, friends, food, and festivities. And that also means a steady stream of guests visiting – and using your home’s restrooms. Unfortunately, that can sometimes lead to some plumbing concerns.

While nobody wants to have a conversation with family and friends about what they can flush and what they can’t, it’s important to make sure some items are discarded in the wastebasket instead of down the toilet.

In this article, we’re sharing a list of items that should never be flushed, and how they can harm your plumbing. We’ll also tell you how Boelcke can help keep your bathroom plumbing working smoothly all year long – keep reading to learn more!

7 Items That Should Never Be Flushed

Toilets are designed to handle waste and toilet paper, but not much else. Flushing other items can cause clogs, damage, and environmental problems. Here are seven items you should never flush down the toilet, no matter how tempting it may be.

1. Wet wipes: Wet wipes, such as baby wipes or facial cleansing wipes, should never be flushed down the toilet, even if they’re labeled as flushable. The material they’re made of does not break down easily in water like toilet paper does. Because of this, they can clog your pipes and can harm your septic system.
2. Cotton balls and cotton swabs: Even though they’re small, cotton balls and swabs will clump together in your pipes, forming clogs.
3. Feminine hygiene products and diapers: These items are made to absorb liquid and expand, which, if flushed, can cause them to swell and block pipes. This can cause your toilet to back up and overflow – something nobody wants to happen. It’s best to wrap these items in toilet paper and dispose of them in the garbage.
4. Cat litter: Cat litter is made of material that does not dissolve in water. Clumping litter is made to absorb moisture, so you can imagine the harm it can do to your pipes. The best way to get rid of cat litter of any kind is to scoop it into a plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash.
5. Plastic items: Plastic items such as wrappers, applicators, and bottle tops should never go down the toilet. Plastic does not biodegrade and can cause major blockages in your plumbing and damage to your septic system.
6. Grease, oil, or fat: Flushing grease, oil, or fat down the toilet is just as bad as putting them down your sink. They can solidify as they cool and can coat your pipes. Not to mention, anything that’s okay to flush, like toilet paper, can cling to the solidified grease and form a nasty clog. Dispose of grease by letting it cool, pouring it into a container, and disposing of it in the garbage.
7. Hair: While it might not seem damaging, flushing hair down your toilet can cause clogs, blockages, and other damage. Hair does not decompose in the water and can get tangled and form knots in your pipes. Collect hair from shaving, trims, and hairbrushes and toss it in the trash.

To avoid clogs, damage, and pollution, always dispose of the above items in the trash or the recycling bin, if applicable. This will keep your toilet from overflowing – and becoming the Grinch of your family holiday!

Can Boelcke help me if I have a bathroom plumbing issue?

Despite your best efforts, you could run into a plumbing issue that needs professional attention. That’s where Boelcke comes in. We provide a complete range of plumbing services, so no matter what your concern may be, we can help get your toilets, tubs, sinks, and drains back in working order promptly and professionally.

We can even help you get ahead of the game by inspecting your plumbing and fixing any problems that might be a cause for concern once your holiday guests arrive. Just give us a call at (269) 429-9261. We’ll tell you about the different bathroom plumbing products and services we offer, and help you find the solution that best suits your needs.