Toilets are made to handle only certain things – and unfortunately, many California homeowners learn this the hard way. Sewer backups, clogged toilets, and expensive plumbing repairs can result from a single error. Knowing what not to flush down the toilet is one of the simplest ways to protect your home’s plumbing system.
If you’ve ever searched “toilet backed up plumber near me” or “emergency toilet repair in California,” this article is for you.
Common Items You Should Never Flush
Even if a product says “flushable,” that doesn’t always mean it’s safe for your pipes or California’s sewer systems. Here’s a list of common items that should never be flushed:
- Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes do not decompose like toilet paper, despite their name. They often cause major blockages, especially in older or narrow pipes. Many plumbing services in California report wipes as a top cause of sewer clogs.
- Paper Towels and Tissues
Paper towels are designed to be absorbent and strong, making them too thick to dissolve in water like toilet paper. Tissues can also clump and cause toilet clogs.
- Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons and sanitary pads are made to absorb liquid, not break down in it. Flushing these products can quickly lead to sewer line blockages.
- Cotton Balls and Swabs
These items don’t dissolve and can easily gather inside pipes, trapping other debris and causing a clogged drain.
- Hair
Whether from brushing or shaving, hair should never be flushed. It tangles and combines with soap residue to create thick clogs that require professional drain cleaning in California.
- Dental Floss
Floss is like a fishing line—it’s strong and non-biodegradable. It wraps around other debris and can even damage septic systems.
- Grease and Food Waste
It may be tempting to pour liquid grease into the toilet, but when it cools, it hardens and sticks to your pipes. This is a major reason homeowners need emergency plumbing services in California.
- Medication
Never flush expired or unused medicine. It doesn’t break down in water and can contaminate local water supplies. Use designated disposal bins instead.
Why Flushing the Wrong Items Is a Big Deal
Flushing the wrong things can result in:
- Toilet overflows
- Sewage backups
- Expensive plumbing repairs
- Environmental pollution
- Fines if you’re connected to a city sewer system
In California, many municipalities are cracking down on improper waste disposal to protect water quality and wastewater treatment systems.
What Can You Flush?
Just two things:
- Human waste
- Toilet paper (and only in normal amounts)
Everything else belongs in the trash!
Dealing With a Clogged Toilet in California?
If your toilet is slow, gurgling, or won’t flush properly, it may be due to non-flushable items stuck in your pipes. Our team at Plumbing Care Inc. specializes in:
- Emergency toilet repair
- Clogged drain clearing
- Sewer camera inspections
- California water conservation-friendly plumbing
Placer, Sacramento, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties and the neighboring areas are among the counties we are honored to serve.
