What Should You Not Flush Down the Toilet?

Dec 28, 2023

What Should You Not Flush Down the Toilet?

People inadvertently flush all sorts of things down the toilet, causing costly plumbing problems and environmental damage. You should be careful about what you flush down the toilet to prevent your septic system from failing. In this blog post, Septic Blue of Charlotte lists 10 things you should not flush down the toilet.

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Septic Blue of Charlotte is a reputable septic service company providing reliable services, including affordable septic tank installation, septic tank cleaning, and more. We are committed to helping you keep your septic system in top shape. Save yourself the hassle of dealing with septic problems by reading our list of the top 10 things you shouldn’t flush down the toilet.

  • Wet Pipes

Despite claims of being "flushable," wet wipes don't break down like toilet paper, and their non-woven fibers easily catch on pipes and other debris, creating clogs. They can also contribute to "fatbergs" - massive accumulations of wet wipes, grease, and other non-flushables that cause sewage overflows.

  • Cotton Swabs

The cotton tips can detach and snag on pipe bends, while the plastic sticks are harmful to the environment. They can also contribute to blockages and even damage sensitive equipment at wastewater treatment plants.

  • Paper Towels

Designed for absorbing spills, they are much thicker and stronger than toilet paper and won't disintegrate easily in water. This leads to clogged pipes, septic tank overflows, and potential damage to your plumbing system. While septic tank pumping and septic tank cleaning can help restore proper functioning of the system, it’s better to err on the side of caution and dispose of paper towels in the trash.

  • Dental Floss

Dental floss might seem harmless, but it’s one of the major culprits behind blocked drains. Its stringy nature makes it prone to getting tangled in pipes and causing blockages. Even if it passes through your pipes, it can create problems further down in the sewage system or septic system.

  • Hair

Strands of hair can easily snag on other debris and form clumps that clog pipes. This is especially true when combined with soap scum or grease. Regular hair removal from shower drains can prevent bigger problems.

  • Feminine Hygiene Products

Tampons, pads, and liners don't belong in the toilet. These products are not designed to break down in water and can quickly form large blockages in your pipes. This can lead to backups and costly plumbing and septic tank repairs.

  • Condoms

Condoms are made of latex or polyurethane; hence, they don't disintegrate in water and can contribute to pipe clogs and fatberg formation. If they make it through the sewer system, they’ll end up in water sources. Dispose of condoms responsibly in the trash.

  • Medications

Flushing medications down the drain might not seem like a big deal, but they often end up in our drinking water. Even expired or unused medications should be disposed of according to their specific instructions or taken to designated collection sites.

  • Paint

Paint is one of the worst things you can wash down your drain. It contains harmful chemicals that can contaminate water and damage sewage treatment systems. Leftover paint should be dried and disposed of as hazardous waste, or recycled through designated programs.

  • Flushable Kitty Litter

Despite marketing claims, flushable litter doesn't always break down as promised and can still contribute to clogs and sewage system issues. Besides, the chemicals and perfumes used in some brands can be harmful to aquatic life.

Looking For a Trusted Septic Company? Reach Out to Septic Blue of Charlotte

When you’re in need of reliable septic services, you want to call a reliable septic company you can trust. Here at Septic Blue of Charlotte, we pride ourselves on offering professional septic services in the areas we serve. Whether you’re in need of septic tank pumping or septic tank repair, our knowledgeable and experienced septic technicians are ready to help. With our team of skilled technicians and state-of-the-art equipment, we promise to meet and even exceed your expectations. Let our team help you keep your septic system in tip-top shape.