Plumbing Services In New Westminster, B.C.

Things You Should NEVER Flush

 

Just because it fits, doesn’t mean it should go there. Not all waste should be flushed down the toilet. Each of us needs to do our part to help prevent backups in our homes and problems that can happen at wastewater treatment facilities. You also do not want sewage to overflow and lead into our lakes and rivers, do you?

Here are 8 things you should never flush down your toilet.

Plumbing Contractor In New Westminster, B.C.Dental Floss

First, it is not biodegradable, and you know what happens to those things – they never decompose or disintegrate. It is small and may seem harmless, but when you keep on flushing your floss down, it gets tangled – that’s when you see the problem. Even the branded ones, or 100% vegan, plastic-free, or from refillable glass vials, do not ever dare to flush it! Get it to the garbage instead.

Fat, Oil, And Grease

These things shouldn’t even be thrown down the drain, so do not ever think of dumping them down the toilet. Fat, oil, and grease may be soft and will act as a liquid when they enter the toilet, but once they cool down, they congeal and build upon the sides of your pipes, eventually causing a clog. And you know how clogs aren’t easy to handle. Simply collect the fats, oils, and greases in a sealable bag and throw them in the trash.

Band-Aids

Either made from plastic or cloth, neither should be flushed down the toilet. Most of these items are not biodegradable.

Disposable Wipes And Paper Towels

Just because some say they’re flushable, doesn’t mean you should flush them down the toilet. These wipes are made up of fibres that are considerably thicker than toilet paper and do not break down in the water. Paper towels are also thicker than tissue and they’re more absorbent. They also do not disintegrate fast that may cause clogs. Dispose of these in the garbage.

Not To Throw In The Toilet In New Westminster, B.C.Tampons And Sanitary Pads

The same issue as wipes, so definite no-no. That’s why you see signs in public bathrooms telling you not to flush these things. The fabric of these items, including cotton pads and swabs, is not biodegradable. These products are absorbent and they’ll expand and get stuck in your pipes. It’s better to wrap them in tissue and throw them in the garbage.

Condoms

They do not biodegrade. If not tied off, they can act like a balloon and be filled with water. Imagine being stuck in the waterways. Just fold it up in tissue paper and throw it away in the garbage.

Hair

It’s like floss. It clogs drains and creates blocks that trap unpleasant odors and slow drains – definitely a big clog culprit. Get a mesh hair strainer that will collect falling hair and put it on your shower sink and tub. Throw whatever is collected in the garbage.

Medications     

Old or expired medications should never go down the toilet or in the garbage. Our concern here is not about clogging pipes, but about contaminating the water supply. The sewage system is not equipped to remove contaminants from the water. The safest way to dispose of expired prescription medicine is to take them back to your local pharmacy.

Observing the proper disposal of these items eliminates the risk of poisoning. It also keeps our oceans and landfills free from dirt and pollution. Your toilet is there to serve you whenever you need it. It’s just right that you take care of it.

If you need help with clogs and other plumbing issues, we are here to help. At Shaul’s, we don’t only care for your pipes; we also care about your well-being. Call us now at 778-397-4850 to talk to one of our professional plumbers. You may also schedule an appointment here if you have a backflow problem or any plumbing concerns.