Your Phoenix bathroom may arguably be one of, if not the most, important rooms in your home. The bathroom is the most frequently used room in the home with people spending over 2 years of their lives in them. When it comes to your home’s bathroom, if something is not working in it as it should, it can create a major disruption in your household and to you and your family’s daily lives. There are some things you can do to try and avoid an issue, and that begins with not flushing things down the toilet that are not meant to go down it. We are going to provide some bathroom plumbing tips and help you answer the question, “Can I flush that?”
Can I Flush That?
Toilets are a modern day convenience that are hard to live without. If you and your family avoid putting certain things down yours, you will be less likely to have to. Some of the items that you shouldn’t flush will surprise you and some we think are rather obvious. We are here to help you stop scratching your head and wondering, “Can I flush that?”. We are going to review what should never be put down your toilet bowl.
- “Flushable” Wipes: We are going to start with the one that surprises most people, because yes, these wipes are labeled “flushable”, but they really aren’t. Toilet paper is designed to disintegrate in our pipes and sewage systems, but these wipes are not. These items are typically made with synthetic materials, plastics or polyester, that won’t break down. So even if they flush down your toilet, they end up clogging plumbing and sewers in the long run.
- Too Much Toilet Paper: While flushing toilet paper is not a bad thing, too much can be. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve in the sewer and not your toilet. Too much toilet paper will create a blockage before it is able to reach the sewer system and can keep your toilet from flushing as it should. If you find yourself needing a lot of toilet paper, try flushing multiple times as you go along, rather than once at the end, this can help keep your toilet from becoming overwhelmed and clogging.
- Paper Towels or Tissues: When wondering, “Can I flush that?”, many people think paper towels and tissues are acceptable; however, they are not. These items are designed to absorb water, not dissolve in it like toilet paper, so they’re more likely to block up your pipes. You should always dispose of paper towels and tissues in the trash to not risk creating a backup in your plumbing.
- Feminine Products: Similar to paper towels and tissues, these products are meant to absorb water and not break it down; thus, they will expand when flushed, and can lead to a clogged toilet or other Phoenix plumbing issues. To be safe, always dispose of feminine products in the trash.
- Cotton Balls, Rounds, or Swabs: Although cotton balls, rounds, and swabs might seem small enough to flush, they can cause big problems inside your pipes. These items don’t break down the way toilet paper does, and all they really do is clump together in your pipes and cause problems down the line, such a bent or broken pipe.
- Food: When it comes to, “Can I flush that?”, the answer is always, “No”, when it comes to food, oils, or grease. Just like grease can cause issues to your kitchen plumbing, it can do the same, if not worse, in your bathroom. Although these ingredients might start in liquid form, they can solidify and attach to the interior lining of your pipes, according to American Water. This can block other items from passing, causing a blockage.
If you have to ask “Can I flush that?”, you probably shouldn’t. While some of the things that we reviewed above that are not meant to go down a toilet may surprise you, others probably didn’t. When it comes to protecting your bathroom plumbing, the best thing to do is stick to only flushing toilet paper.
If you find yourself with a Phoenix bathroom plumbing issue, Arizona Comfort Specialists can help. We are here for you, your family, and your home. Contact us today for all of your plumbing needs.
