8 Things You Should Never Do To Your Toilet

What Causes A Toilet Clog?

First, let’s clarify the reasons why toilets become clogged. There are five main reasons toilets can become clogged: a blocked trapway or plumbing vent, main sewer lines problems, low-quality toilets, or flushing non-flushable materials in the toilet. Toilets are designed to remove certain items. Usually, these items dissolve quickly into water. It doesn’t matter how large the pipe is, it can get blocked by non-disposable material. This will prevent water from flowing properly and cause further problems.

Are these items safe to flush?

You probably have some materials you flush out every now and again, not realizing that they aren’t soluble. We will discuss the truth and myths below.

. Can I Flush Cat Litter?

Cat owners often believe cat litter is better for the environment than the alternative. This is false. Although modern cat litters are more convenient and less odourless, they can still cause plumbing problems. They can also transmit harmful parasites to water treatment systems that aren’t capable of filtering them correctly.

• What is Flushable Cat Litter?

  Cat litter made from corn, wood, and pine can be eco-friendly. Another benefit is that these materials prevent bed smells. They are not always intended to be flushed down the bathroom. Even though they may be compatible with flushable litter, some systems will not be able dissolve cat fecal matter. Cat fecal matter quickly becomes solid, which blocks pipes and makes it difficult to flush.

• Parasites

  The EPA considers pet waste to be a pollutant in cat litter, particularly if it is made from cat litter. It may contain Toxoplasma Gondii parasite, which is difficult to filter in most water treatment plants. This can cause harm to humans and other animals.

The parasite can be fatal if it is eaten by humans.

. Can I Flush Hair?

It is normal for everyone to lose some hair. You might be used to having a lot of hair around the house if you have a dog. Hair is completely safe and won’t clog your toilet.

Although it may seem harmless, it is not a good idea for hair to be flushed down the toilet. Clogs in the plumbing system are most often caused by hair. Hair can easily catch on any pipe or older pipes. If the hair is very long it can curl up and grab everything. It also breaks down slowly, regardless of whether it is human hair or pet hair.

• The Right Way to Dispose of Your Hair

  It may sound strange, but composting hair is one of the best methods to get rid of it. Because it is rich in nitrogen, both human hair and pet hair are good for the soil. You can also throw your hair in the trash, which is the best solution for most people.

. Do I Need To Flush Baby Wipes?

You should not flush the wipes in a toilet, even if they are marked as flushable. While most wipes are made from cotton, some may contain plastic resins to prevent them from decomposing. Wipes are being used by approximately half of the UK’s sewer systems, and this number is growing.

Wipes don’t just affect your toilet.

If your plumbing system becomes clogged, then the contents of the sewer can back up through your pipes or up to your sink. This can lead to a significant financial loss. After using baby wipes, we strongly recommend that you throw them in the trash.

• Pampers Wipes are able to be flushed?

  Although the label on Pampers wipes is usually flushable, we recommend that you throw them away. They can take up to 500 year to decay, despite the label.

. Are Flush Pills Possible?

You might reconsider throwing out old pills down the toilet. You shouldn’t flush the pills down the toilet unless they have a flushable label. Although they won’t cause clogs in the toilet, they can affect fishes’ biological behavior in rivers. Some people will even mix the pills with cat litter. This is not a good idea. There are many pharmacies that offer medication take-back programs where you can return your old pills.

You can also mix the medication and litter with the trash. To prevent others from obtaining it or using it in other ways, make it as difficult as possible. You might also want to remove your personal information from the bottle.

. Can I Flush Paper Towels?

Many people don’t know that you shouldn’t flush paper towels down the toilet. They may look similar to toilet paper but they are made of different materials. They take longer to dissolve than toilet papers because they are made of fibers. They can cause blockages and clogs in your toilet after a while. To get rid of paper towels, you can simply toss them in the trash.

• How to unclog paper towels from the toilet

  If your toilet is clogged with paper towels, it’s best to start with the easiest ways to unclog it.

However, you should first try to get rid of as much as possible before you begin. To break up any material near the bowl, you can use a toilet auger. You can buy one at most hardware stores if you don’t have one.

To prevent damage to the surface, first insert the plastic sleeve into the drain. Next, extend the cable by holding the sleeve on the opening. Next, push the handle down, rotate it, and don’t use too much force as it could knot the cable. It may take several attempts to unclog your toilet.

What if the auger is not able to unclog it? You should look for another drain opening such as a sink, or a hole in the wall. Once you have found it, you can use a handheld drum auger to clear the toilet. It costs less than €70.

. Do I Need To Flush Tissues?

You might wonder if tissues can be flushed, as they are paper products just like toilet paper. Toilet paper, unlike tissues, is designed to quickly dissolve so that it doesn’t clog your toilet. Tissues are designed to absorb more water, which can cause problems for your plumbing system. Even Kleenex tissues, which may seem more plumbing-friendly than other brands, are not safe for flushing.

It won’t be a problem if they are only flushed once or twice. It will clog your toilet if you flush them often.

. Can I Flush Q-Tips Or Dental Flosss?

One of the fastest ways for the toilet to become clogged is by flushing Q-Tips down it. Those sticks will stick crosswise and collect anything that gets in their way. They are made from plastic so they take a long time to dissolve. You will need to unclog them sooner or later.

What about dental floss? It is so small and light, it might seem that it would cause no trouble. This is not true. The floss from your teeth can easily get tangled, catching all the dirt and debris down the pipes.

It also easily breaks and you’ll have multiple flosses in your plumbing. These flosses will catch dirt, hair, and other debris. You will soon notice problems with your toilet. This would need immediate attention.

While some people choose to buy biodegradable floss, it is not a good idea to put in the toilet. You can still have your own oral hygiene and be eco-friendly if you put it in your compost bin.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

If I don’t have a plunger, what is the best way to unclog a toilet?

You don’t need a plunger to unclog your toilet. You can pour hot water down your drain to dissolve the clog.

Can a toilet unclog itself over time?

Most things that block the toilets will eventually dissolve. It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the contents of what you put down the toilet. It is best to either call a plumber right away or attempt to unclog the drain yourself.

Is it possible for solid waste to clog the toilet?

Clogs can be caused by waste that is too large. The clog caused by solid waste is usually temporary. Either wait for the solid waste to dissolve, or you can use a plunger in order to move it down the pipes.

How to flush the toilet to unclog it

Sometimes you don’t need to use a plunger to unclog your toilet. You can remove most clogs with vinegar and baking soda. Mix the ingredients together and pour them down the toilet. Be careful, though, as they could cause bubbles and splash around. Also, you can use household bleach. After a few minutes, pour two cups of bleach into the bowl. Next, add one cup of powdered soap to the bowl and leave it for twenty-five minutes. You can then flush the toilet and it should solve the problem.

When should I call a plumber?

Try at least one method on your own before calling for help. You won’t need any DIY skills and you will end up saving a lot of money by not calling in a plumber.

Try the first method we suggested, such as baking soda, vinegar, hot water or household bleach. Try a plunger and a toilet snake if that doesn’t work. If the problem persists, call a plumber.