What can you pour down a toilet to unclog it?
What can you pour down a toilet to unclog it? Let’s start with things that should never go into your toilet. It’s the season to be jolly, but it’s also the season where we tend to throw caution out of the window and do things we usually wouldn’t. One thing that you should never let your guard down is what you flush down your toilet.
You may think everything goes down the drain, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Certain things can cause blockages or damage your plumbing system, while others can harm the environment. Here are some of the most common items you should never flush down your toilet.
Cat poop
You may think it’s convenient to flush away your cat’s business, but it harms your plumbing and the environment. Cat poop can contain parasites and bacteria, which may contaminate water sources and harm marine life. It’s best to scoop it into a bag and throw it in the trash.
Non-flushable wipes
Even if they say “flushable” on the packaging, wipes should never be flushed down your toilet. These “flushable” wipes do not break down like toilet paper and can cause significant blockages in your plumbing.
Toys
Children’s toys may seem harmless fun, but when they accidentally end up in the toilet, they can cause serious clogs. Keep an eye on your little ones to make sure they don’t try to flush their toys down the toilet.
Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and pads are designed to absorb liquids, which can expand and cause blockages in your plumbing. These products should always be disposed of in the trash, even if the packaging says they are safe to flush.
Dental floss
Dental floss may seem harmless, but it’s not biodegradable and can easily get tangled in your plumbing pipes. It’s best to dispose of it in the trash or look for biodegradable floss options.
Medications
So, flushing expired or unused medications down the toilet may seem convenient, but it harms the environment. These chemicals can end up in our water sources and harm aquatic life. Instead, dispose of them properly at a local pharmacy or through designated medication disposal programs.
Cooking grease and oil
Dispensing or getting rid of cooking grease and different cooking oil down the drain may seem like an easy way to get rid of it, but it can solidify in your plumbing pipes and cause major clogs. It’s best to dispose of these substances in separate containers and throw or dispose of them in the trash.
Q: What can you pour down a toilet to unclog it? A: Make a safe drain cleaner
Add these ingredients to your clogged toilet bowl and let it sit overnight. Flush the following day to see if the clog will clear.
1 cup of baking soda
2 cups of vinegar
1/2 gallon of hot water
1 tablespoon of dish soap
Conclusion
Remember, just because something fits down your toilet doesn’t mean it should be flushed. Avoid these everyday items to keep your plumbing and the environment safe.
Stay smart, stay witty, and continually educate yourself on proper disposal methods for different types of waste. Let’s ensure our plumbing systems and the planet are happy and healthy for years to come. So, enjoy the holiday season responsibly, and don’t let anything but toilet paper go down your toilet! Please keep it clean and safe, and have a very merry (and clog-free) holiday!
Remember, prevention is always better than dealing with a plumbing emergency.
Happy flushing! Stay informed, stay cautious, and keep your toilet free of anything that doesn’t belong there.
