Flushy Backup – Things You Have To Stop Getting Past The U-Bend!

Call it Murphy’s Law, but toilets always back up when you have company over. You know the drill – hastily stuffing everything down the drain while trying not to make a scene. But what if there was a way to avoid this altogether?

Believe it or not, there are some things that you should never put down your toilet! From fats and oils to hygiene products, read on for a list of items that can easily cause a toilet backup. Armed with this information, you can hopefully keep your pipes from backups and embarrassing moments. Happy flushing!

Food:

Most homeowners think that food is soft enough to pass through the pipes, but certain items can do some severe damage. For example, coffee grounds and eggshells can build up over time and cause clogs. If you have a garbage disposal, it’s best to put these items instead.

Fats and Oils:

Cooking oils may seem harmless, but they can solidify and cling to your pipes. Over time, this build-up can cause significant blockages. If you must pour grease down the drain, do it when the sink is full of hot water. It will help break up the oil and prevent it from solidifying.

Hygiene Products:

From cotton swabs to dental floss, there are many hygiene products that people try to flush down the toilet. Unfortunately, these items don’t break down easily and cause serious clogs. If you don’t wish to throw them in the trash, there are many other options, such as composting.

Baby Wipes and Diapers:

Despite what the packaging may say, baby wipes and diapers should never be flushed. They can cause serious clogs that are difficult to remove. They can also cause backups in your septic system. If you have a baby, it’s best to keep a small trash can in the bathroom for disposing of these items.

Cigarette Butts:

Cigarette butts may seem small, but they can cause significant problems for your drains. The filters can absorb water and expand, causing clogs. Additionally, the chemicals in cigarettes can be harmful to your pipes. It’s best to dispose of them in an ashtray or the trash.

Hair:

Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged drains. It can bind together when it gets wet and form a clump that’s difficult to break up. Additionally, hair can trap other debris, which can lead to clogs. It’s best to avoid letting hair go down the drain in the first place by using a drain cover or strainer.

Condoms and Tampons:

Condoms are challenging to flush because they are not porous. They inflate and float on the surface of the sewers. When they deflate, they adhere to the pipelining and cause uneven water flow, eventually causing significant clogging. Similarly, tampons absorb water and swell, which can cause clogs.

Pets:

Fish are one of the most prevalent flushable animals to be disposed of in the water. However, some families feel that dead gerbils, hamsters, lizards, snakes, and other animals should rest “at sea.” Unfortunately, no matter what species you’re dealing with, bones don’t dissolve; instead, they become caught in the pipes and cause a blockage.

Conclusion:

Clogged pipes are no laughing matter. To avoid calling the plumber, use your discretion regarding what you flush.

However, if an emergency plumbing situation does arise, be sure to contact the experts at J & E Restoration Pros. Our emergency plumbing solutions in Lawrenceville, GA, will have your home up and running!

Contact us today!

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