Do you know what items shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain? If you don’t, you’re not alone. Many people are unaware of what items can damage their plumbing or end up costing them money. Keep reading to learn about common household items that should never be flushed.
Disposable Diapers and Sanitary Napkins
The reason disposable diapers and sanitary napkins shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet is that they can clog up the sewer system. The sewer system is not designed to handle these items, so when they’re flushed down the toilet, they can cause major problems. For example, disposable diapers can get caught in the sewer pipes and create a blockage. This can lead to sewage backing up into people’s homes or even flooding the streets. So it’s crucial that everyone does their part to help keep the sewer system functioning properly by not flushing disposable diapers and sanitary napkins down the toilet.
Grease From Cooking Meats
As with oils and fats, grease from cooking meats shouldn’t be flushed down the drain. The grease will harden in the pipes, causing blockages and backups. In addition, the grease can be especially bad for the environment, as it can contaminate waterways and harm wildlife.
One way to deal with grease from cooking meats is to let it cool and then scrape it into a waste bin. Another option is to pour it into a container that can be sealed and then disposed of in the trash. If possible, avoid cooking with overly fatty meats, as this will create more.
Houseplants
A houseplant delivery is a great way to brighten up any room, and they also have some practical benefits, such as improving air quality. However, another item that shouldn’t ever be flushed is a houseplant.
If you flush a houseplant, it can have devastating results for your plumbing. When you flush a houseplant, the soil and roots are washed away, and the plant’s roots are then free to grow into the sewer system. Once the roots are in the sewer system, they can cause blockages, which can lead to sewage backups in your home.
So, if you have a houseplant that needs to be disposed of, it’s best to toss it outside where it can fertilize other plants in the future or use it in your compost.
Hazardous Materials
Did you know that flushing hazardous materials down the toilet is one of the worst things you can do? Not only is it illegal in some cases, but it can also be immensely harmful to the environment.
Some common hazardous materials that people often flush down the toilet include paint, oil, solvent, and pesticides. These materials can contaminate groundwater and soil, and they can also be harmful to aquatic life.
In addition to being illegal and harmful to the environment, flushing hazardous materials can also be dangerous for you and your family. If these materials come into contact with your skin, they can cause serious health problems.
If you have any hazardous materials that you need to get rid of, please take them to a local recycling center or hazardous waste disposal site. Do not flush them down the toilet, as this can cause serious damage to the environment and your health.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are medications that are prescribed to you by a doctor. They’re usually used to treat a specific illness or condition. Prescription drugs shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet, as they can pollute the water supply and cause serious environmental and health problems.
Many prescription drugs are not water soluble and can therefore contaminate water supplies when flushed. They can also cause problems for aquatic life and wildlife.
If you have expired or unused prescription drugs, you should take them to a local pharmacy or health clinic to be disposed of properly. There are also numerous mail-in programs available that will safely dispose of your medications for you.
Don’t Flush It
There are countless other items in addition to those we’ve mentioned that shouldn’t be flushed. The best rule of thumb is to never flush anything except toilet paper and human waste. These are the only things meant to go down your toilet drain.
