Don't Flush!

Major toilet paper companies may suggest that toilet paper isn't enough and that moist wipes are necessary.

Flushing the recently deceased beloved goldfish down the toilet can scar the kids for life, and there are several other items that should also never enter the bowl.

Bathroom wipes:

Major toilet paper companies may suggest that toilet paper isn't enough and that moist wipes are necessary. However, these wipes aren't flushable. Despite being marketed like toilet paper, they have been causing clogs, and the general consensus from plumbers is that they are not flushable, contrary to what the packaging claims.

Paper Towels:

Although they are made of paper, paper towels are not created to break down in water the same way toilet tissue does. Much like bathroom wipes, they can cause major backups and damage.

Cotton Balls:

A favorite item in the bathroom can be a nightmare in the pipes. Cotton balls do not break down in water; instead, they get caught in the bends of pipes and stay there.

Condoms:

These latex devices can wreak havoc on septic tanks and systems. Non-degradable condoms can cause blockages by getting filled with air or other substances, ensuring they survive much like Twinkies and cockroaches in a zombie apocalypse.

Band-Aids:

Another non-biodegradable item, these can get stuck on things other than skin.

Dental Floss:

This dental hygiene tool can cause more damage than good once it hits the pipes, as it gets caught around anything else that is already headed that way.

Cigarette Butts:

Flushing cigarette butts can have consequences beyond grounding. The chemicals in the butt can seep into the water table and end up in the bodies of people and animals that aren't even smokers.

Prescription Medication:

Flushing excess prescription meds to keep them out of certain hands can cause unintended effects. The meds can break down the good bacteria that feeds off waste, and they can also contaminate groundwater that is consumed by both humans and wildlife. Look into programs that will dispose of meds in a safe manner.

Disposable Diapers:

Trying to flush diapers down the toilet is ill-advised. Even if successful, it can lead to a bathroom flooding that is far worse than the initial inconvenience of a diaper.

If you need a licensed, bonded, insured plumber for your Phoenix area leak or your next plumbing project, call MNS Plumbing today at 602-362-4524.