While most of us know that you shouldn’t flush large plastic items or harsh chemicals down the drain, you may be surprised by the list of things that can clog your plumbing system or cause damage to sewer lines. Perhaps you rinsed a paintbrush off in your sink after a DIY project, or flushed some tissues down the toilet. Unfortunately, these small missteps can lead to costly issues for your home’s plumbing.

Hazardous Items for Your Plumbing System

While many products on the market, like baby wipes and kitty litter, claim to be flushable on their packaging, plumbers warn this is not the case. These items don’t break down in water, which means they can still cause back-ups and clogging in your plumbing or septic system. Even coffee grounds, which seem small and harmless, are often the culprit behind many kitchen sink clogs.

Other items, like paint, medicine, or cleaning chemicals, find their way back into the water supply when flushed down household drains. No one wants that! If you’re looking for the proper way to get rid of these types of items, check the website of your local city or county for the proper disposal guidelines or directions to the relevant waste treatment site.

Here is a guide to items that should never be poured or flushed down your drains:

  • Baby Wipes and Diapers
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Paper Towels
  • Tissues
  • Dental Floss
  • Cotton Balls and Q-Tips
  • Bandages
  • Flushable Kitty Litter
  • Grease, Fat, and Oils
  • Paint
  • Eggshells
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Household Cleaning Liquids
  • Produce Stickers
  • Medicine

If it’s not toilet paper or something easily broken down by water, think twice before pouring it down your drain!

Get Professional Plumbing Services for Your Home

Do you have clogged drains at your home? A plumbing professional can help you fully address the problem so it’s not a recurring issue. Since 1993, John Baethke & Son Plumbing has provided expert plumbing services to Chicago-area residents. We’re a locally owned and operated company that’s committed to the highest standard of quality! Call today to learn more about our top-rated plumbing services, or fill out our quick online form to request a free, no-obligation cost estimate.