Your toilet is one of the hardest-working fixtures in your home, and it’s easy to take its functionality for granted—until it’s not working. Many homeowners in St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls, Thorold, and Fort Erie face unexpected plumbing emergencies simply because of what’s been flushed. Toilets are designed to handle only three things: water, toilet paper, and human waste. Yet, convenience and misinformation lead many to flush items that don’t belong there, causing clogs and costly repairs.
Here’s a breakdown of the top five things you should never flush down your toilet, why they’re problematic, and what to do instead.
1. FLUSHABLE Wipes
Despite the “flushable” label on many disposable wipes, these products are anything but flushable. Unlike toilet paper, they don’t break down easily in the plumbing system. Instead, they cause blockages in pipes and even damage municipal sewer systems and pumps.
Why It’s a Problem:
- They accumulate in pipes, leading to clogs.
- Repairs for damage caused by flush-able wipes can be expensive, especially in older homes in Welland or Thorold.
What to Do Instead: Dispose of wipes in the trash. Use compostable bags to contain them if necessary for sanitary purposes.
2. Paper Towels
Paper towels are designed to be strong and absorbent, making them terrible candidates for flushing. Unlike toilet paper, they don’t dissolve in water, leading to blockages in both residential pipes and municipal systems.
Why It’s a Problem:
- They absorb water and swell, making clogs even worse.
- They’re a common cause of plumbing emergencies in homes across Niagara Falls and St. Catharines.
What to Do Instead: Dispose of paper towels in your regular trash or compost bin if they’re food-soiled and biodegradable.
3.Cotton Balls and Q-Tips
Soft, fluffy cotton balls and slender Q-tips may seem harmless, but they can cause significant damage when flushed. Cotton fibers don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they clump together and catch other debris, forming stubborn blockages.
Why It’s a Problem:
- They’re prone to forming clog masses in narrow pipes.
- They often cause blockages in older plumbing systems in Fort Erie and Welland homes.
What to Do Instead: Toss cotton balls, Q-tips, and similar items into your bathroom trash can.
4. Tampons and Pads
Sanitary products are one of the most common culprits behind clogged toilets, especially in public washrooms. These items are designed to absorb moisture and expand, making them entirely unsuitable for flushing.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Tampons and pads can block sewer lines and even damage septic systems.
- Their inability to break down leads to expensive plumbing repairs, especially in flood-prone areas like Thorold.
What to Do Instead: Always dispose of sanitary products in designated waste bins. In public restrooms, bring a discreet disposal bag if necessary.
5.Condoms
Flushing condoms might seem like a convenient option, but these items are made of materials that don’t decompose in water. Over time, they can cause significant clogs and damage to plumbing systems.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Condoms often get stuck in pipes, catching debris and forming blockages.
- They’re a frequent issue in residential and commercial properties across St. Catharines and Niagara Falls.
What to Do Instead: Wrap the used condom in tissue and dispose of it in the trash.
Too Late? Professional Drain Services Are Here to Help
If you’ve accidentally flushed something you shouldn’t, or your toilet is clogged despite your best efforts, it’s time to call the professionals. At McDowell Drain Services, we specialize in resolving tough plumbing issues for homes across the Niagara region, including St. Catharines, Welland, Niagara Falls, Thorold, and Fort Erie.
Why Choose McDowell Drain Services?
- Experienced Technicians: Our friendly, certified team has been solving plumbing issues for over 45 years.
- Advanced Tools: From drain augers to hydro jetting, we use state-of-the-art technology to clear clogs efficiently.
- Local Expertise: We understand the unique plumbing challenges faced by Niagara homes.
- Discreet Service: We handle your plumbing problems quickly and professionally, so you can get back to normal.
Prevent Clogs and Protect Your Plumbing
A little awareness goes a long way. By educating your household about what not to flush, you can prevent costly plumbing emergencies. But if the unexpected happens, trust McDowell Drain Services to get your system back in order.
Call us today at (905) 431-5612
Visit our Website to schedule your appointment online.
Don’t let a small mistake turn into a big problem. Contact McDowell Drain Services for expert drain solutions in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Thorold, and Fort Erie!
