When it comes to what you can and can’t flush down the toilet, it’s straightforward: human waste and toilet paper only.
Out of sight, out of mind? Not quite. It may seem convenient to flush your wipes and dental floss down the toilet, but that decision can cause you a headache down the road. Anything that is not toilet paper or human waste can get stuck, lodged, or tangled in your pipes (this includes wipes labeled “flushable”), causing sewer backups into your home that require expensive repairs. Even if these non-flushable items make it past your home plumbing, they can cause clogs in the city’s sewer system, sending sewage into streets, basements, and local waterways.
So, what can you do? Follow these simple guidelines:
Flush
- Toilet paper
- Human waste
Throw everything else in the trash. Here is a list of items that people believe are flushable, but are not.
Trash
- Wipes (Even if labeled “flushable”)
- Paper towels and tissue paper (These products are designed to stay together when wet and do not break down in the sewer system)
- Tampons and other sanitary products
- Floss
- Diapers
- Medicine – Dispose of properly at a secure drop-off location
- Cotton swabs
For more information, watch our videos. Happy flushing!