Understanding Your Toilet’s Purpose

The professionals at Roto-Rooter Delmarva have seen just about everything you can imagine clogging up a toilet. Trust me, it’s not pretty. Most folks don’t realize that flushing the wrong stuff can lead to some serious plumbing disasters. Not only does it wreck your pipes, but it can also mess with the environment and cost you a ton in repairs. So today, I’m sharing what every homeowner in Delmarva needs to know: the top five things that should never, ever go down your toilet – no matter how tempting or convenient it might seem.

Top 5 Things You Should Never Flush

1. “Flushable” Wipes
Let’s start with the biggest offender: those so-called “flushable” wipes. Despite what the
packaging says, these things do not break down like toilet paper. Instead, they clump together and form massive clogs in your pipes – and in municipal sewer systems too.
Here in Delmarva, I’ve cleared dozens of backups caused by wipes. Save yourself the
headache and toss them in the trash.
2. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and liners might seem small and harmless, but they’re designed to absorb and expand – not disintegrate. Once flushed, they swell and get stuck in bends and joints of your plumbing. Use a covered trash bin in your bathroom instead. It’s discreet, hygienic, and much kinder to your pipes.
3. Dental Floss

It’s thin and wiry, but dental floss is surprisingly strong. Once in your pipes, it wraps around other debris and creates tough knots that are tricky to remove. In septic systems, floss doesn’t break down and can clog pumps or damage machinery. Dispose of used floss in the trash to avoid sneaky backups.

4. Cat Litter (Even the “Flushable” Kind)
Cat litter – especially clay-based – is a major no-go. It clumps when wet, which is exactly what it does in your toilet and pipes. Even the so-called flushable types aren’t safe. Plus, litter can contain harmful bacteria like Toxoplasma gondii that shouldn’t be introduced into the water system. Scoop it and bag it – your toilet will thank you.
5. Old Medications
Flushing old pills or liquid medicine might seem like a good way to dispose of them, but they
end up in our water supply. Wastewater treatment plants aren’t equipped to filter out all the
chemicals in pharmaceuticals. Instead, check for local drug take-back programs (you can find them through the FDA or DEA websites). Here’s a reliable source from the U.S. FDA

How to Build Better Flushing Habits

The Dollars and Stress It Can Cost You. Simple habits like watching what you flush can save you hundreds or even thousands in plumbing repairs. Plus, it prevents stress and protects your home’s resale value.

A Bathroom Trash Can is Your Best Friend

It’s a small, simple change that makes a huge difference. Keep a lined bin with a lid in every
bathroom.

Teaching Kids and Guests the Dos and Don’ts

Make a “Do Not Flush” list and post it near the toilet. It’s especially helpful if you have visitors or
young children.

Services Roto-Rooter Delmarva Offers

We’re here 24/7. Whether you need a quick drain cleaning, a sewer line inspection, or full
plumbing service, we’ve got your back. Check out our Plumbing Services and Sewer Line Video
Inspection for more info.

In Conclusion, changing your toilet habits doesn’t take much – but it can save you a ton of trouble. Just
remember the golden rule: if it’s not pee, poo, or toilet paper – it doesn’t belong in the loo.
As your local expert here at Roto-Rooter Delmarva, I’m always happy to help keep your home
running smooth and safe. Let’s protect your pipes and the planet, one smart flush at a time.