If youve run out of toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues are not a suitable substitute as these paper products were designed to absorb water. These fibrous products can swell up with water when flushed and stick to the sewer line causing toilet water to back up and overflow. Always dispose of paper towels, reusable paper towels, and tissues in the garbage, not the toilet. Instead, they tend to build up inside pipelines. Similar to dental floss, sending hair down the drain can cause larger problems later on. hair tends to stick to the inside of pipes, leading to build-up and clogs over time. Not only is it wasteful, but also, using too much toilet paper can lead to major plumbing issues. Here are 12 items you should never flush — and how to properly dispose of them. · memorize this list of what not to flush down the toilet to avoid clogs, overflowing toilets , and expensive repairs. · avoid costly plumbing bills. The floss can wrap around other items flushed after it, creating even larger clumps that can clog sewers and pipes. after practicing good dental hygiene, toss your floss in the trash. See full list on bhg. com · stop clogs, backups, and sewer damage. Although the package might state otherwise, flushable wipes should not go down the toilet. because these wipes do not break down quickly, they can easily get stuck in drains and cause clogs. Keep a lined trash can in your bathroom and dispose of wipes there instead. The no-nonsense guide to what not to flush down the toilet —plus a simple “flushability field test” you can do at home. To avoid toilet troubles, use only what you need next time you head to the restroom. Usually made of nylon or teflon, dental floss does not break down easily in water and can build up over time if flushed. The best way to dispose of unused or expired medicine is to dro. Although cotton balls, rounds, and swabs might seem small enough to flush , they can cause big problems inside your pipes. Tampons, sanitary pads, and other period products are designed to absorb liquid and, in some cases, expand to several times larger than their original size. Cigarettes are another waste item that can introduce potentially harmful chemicals into the water system and harm wildlife. plus, cigarette butts dont always go down the drain after flushing, leaving an unpleasant surprise for the next person to use the bathroom. When flushed, these cotton products do not break down in the water; The sticky adhesive can also adhere to other items, resulting in a larger clog. Large wads of toilet paper are difficult to flush and can easily cause a clog in small pipes. · plumbers reveal the worst item to flush down your toilet and what problems it could cause in your plumbing, including other items to avoid. To be safe, always dispose of period products in the trash. After safely extinguishing them, dispose of cigarettes in the trash. Some bandages are made of non-biodegradable plastic, which can pollute water systems when flushed down the toilet. To help prevent water pollution, never flush medications or potentially hazardous household materials (such as paint and some cleaning products, including cleaners for ovens, windows, and tile) down the toilet. Avoid these issues by disposing of bandages in a garbage can. Learn what items should never be flushed to keep your system running smoothly. If you have medications you need to dispose of, check the fda’s flush list. Can hair clog a toilet ? Toilet paper dissolves and won’t block up your pipes. · avoid plumbing nightmares with tips from william j.