To Flush or Not to Flush? That Is the Question…

Although toilets may appear to work like magic, flushing inappropriate items down the drain can have severe consequences. Negligence in this regard may lead to a blocked toilet, requiring a plumber’s assistance and causing harm to the water treatment facilities and the environment of the city. The rule of what can be flushed down the toilet is quite straightforward: only human waste and toilet paper are acceptable. Any other items must be disposed of in a trash can. Here is a compilation of common and rare items that should NOT be flushed down the toilet.

• Wipes: Although pre-moistened baby and adult wipes may seem flushable, they don’t break apart like toilet paper and can cause clogging in sewer systems.
• Medication: Flushing medication may harm water supplies and wildlife, as filtration and water treatment systems may not always remove them.
• Feminine Products: Tampons and pads can expand and cause blockages in plumbing, so it’s essential to dispose of them in the trash can.
• Cat Litter: The particles in kitty litter are designed to clump together, making it a perfect recipe for clogging.
• A Snake: It’s hard to believe, but live animals such as snakes should never be flushed down the toilet. In an incident in Australia, a man found a nearly ten-foot-long python in his toilet.

Of course, should any clogs arise, don’t hesitate to call MET Plumbing & Air Conditioning! You’ll be glad we met!