Where do you go when you have a taboo topic you need to discuss? Eyman knows that some plumbing problems are a four-letter word, but we’re not afraid to give you the down and dirty!

What Can’t You Flush?

The answer seems simple, but for anyone who has ever had a slow flowing seat or had to dig up a septic system all together, you know there are some problems you just can’t flush away. Toddlers are common culprits, and it’s not surprising to find a stray toy or your mother’s missing earrings have been sacrificed to the porcelain god. Some common household items we find slowing your septic system:

• Dental Floss: Floss binds with hard water, minerals, and other undissolved solids to create a clog
• Feminine Hygiene Products: Even if the box says it is safe, or uses the vague phrase “do not flush plastic/cardboard applicator” with no mention of what to do with the product itself, these products are designed to expand and absorb liquid. They do the same in your septic system and they DO NOT DISSOLVE. Ever. Which is the point of the product. Do not flush
• Paper Towels: Often advertised specifically for their durability, they do not dissolve like septic safe bathroom tissue
• Makeup Removing Wipes: These are designed tough, and will not degrade in water. This will become a problem for your drains faster than you can wipe away last night’s mascara
• Medications: While these will dissolve completely in water, they wreak havoc on drinking water. Municipal treatment plants struggle to remove the effects of medications on water, and while you may find that you don’t need those extra pain meds, you may be creating quite a pain for water drinkers in your city by flushing them. Talk with your pharmacist about proper disposal methods
• Food: Without getting terribly graphic, let’s just acknowledge that there is a reason we chew our food, first. Swallowing unmasticated meals will make you choke, and it does the same to your plumbing system
• Cardboard TP Holders: These were never designed to be safe for your septic system
• Gilly The Goldfish: We know the intent is to save your toddler from the inevitable “death” discussion, but flushing a family pet [no matter how small or water-friendly] will come back to haunt you. Gilly doesn’t mind going to the curb
• Cigarette Butts: There’s an easy “toilet seats don’t mind butts” joke here, but we’ll spare you this time. You know smoking isn’t healthy, but did you know it’s a real nightmare for your plumbing? Keep the butts out of the toilet!

Join the Conversation!

Have a question about flushing foreign objects? Have a funny story about something you, your child, or hapless houseguest may have flushed? Drop us a line on Facebook!

Knowing what was flushed and when helps your Eyman tech decide which of our many system-saving tools to use for the job; So if an out-of-town guest or curious toddler has flushed your day down the toilet, let us know asap and we’ll be there!