It isn’t exactly something most of us are comfortable talking about. But we do use them every day. Our toilets are among the most important items in our homes. We know what they’re for. Or do we? When our toilets get clogged, it’s sometimes due to misuse. Many problems are caused by people who flush things they shouldn’t. Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. Unfortunately, some people don’t follow the rules.
Misusing the toilet can result in serious plumbing issues, costly repairs and even health hazards. Let’s flush through some of the most inappropriate uses of a toilet.
Discarding wipes and paper towels.
Just because it’s made of paper doesn’t mean it belongs in the toilet. We know that many packages read “flushable wipes”. Don’t believe them. Those misleading labels hide the fact that the wipes do not break down like toilet paper. Instead, they can get stuck in pipes, leading to blockages and backups. They can also cause damage to municipal sewage systems. The safest bet is to throw wipes in the trash instead of flushing them.
Now, when you’re in a pinch, because you’re out of toilet paper, you may assume that paper towels make an ideal alternative. They don’t. Paper towels are designed to be much more durable than toilet paper. As a result, they don’t dissolve as easily in water. Flushing paper towels can quickly lead to clogged pipes. As a rule of thumb, always keep extra toilet paper handy for emergencies. Make sure to dispose of paper towels properly.
Getting rid of hair.
It may seem harmless, but hair is another material that should never be flushed. The bathroom is where we shave, comb and brush our hair. Whatever falls off or gets cut should be thrown in the trash. Hair doesn’t break down in the toilet so it can easily get tangled in pipes. This leads to blockages over time.
“According to Mr. Plumber, hair does not magically biodegrade when exposed to water, so flushing it risks combining with residue buildup in the pipe and causing a blockage,” reports Angela Horn of Green Matters.
Throwing out food and medication.
If you’re looking for an incognito method of throwing out food scraps, we highly recommend that you avoid the toilet. Food waste is known to clog pipes, attract pests and lead to unpleasant odours. Not to mention, it puts undue strain on your home’s plumbing system. If you don’t have a compost bin, throw your food scraps in the trash.
Your old meds should also be left out of the toilet. The flushing of medications is harmful to both the environment and your plumbing. Not only can certain medications damage your pipes, but they can also leach into the water supply. This can potentially contaminate the environment and drinking water. Durham Region residents are encouraged to “take back unused and expired medications and sharps to a local pharmacy free of charge.”
Are you having toilet troubles?
At 2 Bro’s Plumbing, we’ve long helped homes across the Durham Region with reliable, efficient toilet repairs and installations. From slow-filling tanks to leaks and constant running, our skilled plumbers can diagnose and repair any issue. We can also help you choose and install a new toilet for your bathroom.
Our family-owned company takes pride in offering honest, high-quality service and building strong relationships with our customers. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca today!
