It may come as a surprise, but there are more than a handful of things that you should not put down your toilet. Whether it’s due to convenience or ignorance, we all flush stuff we aren’t supposed to. The experts at Affordable Service in Rio Rancho are here to set the record straight and educate you on what not to flush down your toilet.

When you flush your toilet, the wastewater drains into your pipes, the city sewer system, or your septic tank. When you flush items that don’t belong in the pipes, it can cause major issues. Below are a few items that you should avoid flushing:

  • “Flushable” Products: There are plenty of products labeled as “flushable,” such as flushable wipes; however, these items can be harmful to your city’s sewer system or your home septic system. These products don’t break down completely, which means they pile up and can cause a clog later down the road.
  • Bathroom Trash: At times, it may seem convenient to toss your floss or Q-Tips in the toilet, but don’t. These trash items can also cause a clog if flushed too frequently.
  • Food: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is advised not to flush food. Food does not break down the same way as human waste and may end up sitting in your pipes for a while.
  • Hair & Nail Clippings: It may seem harmless, but hair and other organic matter can get caught in your pipes and catch other objects trying to pass through. This can lead to terrible clogs. It can also cause issues with your septic tank, as this type of matter doesn’t break down.

Plumbing issues are the last thing most people want to deal with. Whether you have a septic system or use the city sewer system, it’s always important to clearly understand what not to do. For more information, or if you need help with a plumbing emergency, reach out to the team at Affordable Service. We are here for you 24/7!