Toilets are designed to flush waste away, but if you send the wrong things down the drain, you could end up causing clogs, water damage, and septic tank issues. Providing septic repair and drain cleaning services in the Peninsula, OH area, Downs Drain & Septic Service highlights a few items that are best left out of your toilet.

5 Items to Keep Out of the Toilet

1. Tissues & Paper Towels

Unlike toilet paper, tissues and paper towels aren’t designed to deteriorate when wet. Over time, they can build up and create clogs—particularly within a septic system. As a rule of thumb, only toilet paper should be flushed. If you have a private sewage system, be sure to use septic-safe toilet paper.

2. Cotton Balls & Swabs

Although cotton balls and swabs may seem small, they can lead to big plumbing and septic repairs if they build up in septic or sewage pipes. Whenever you use these items, throw them in a trash can instead.

3. Grease & Fat

Many people think cooking grease and fat is fine to flush down the toilet because it is a liquid. However, once these substances enter the drain, they will cool and buildup along the sides of the pipes. Eventually, this accumulation will lead to blockages and slower water flow. If you have to get rid of grease, oil, or fat, simply put them in a closed can so that they can be thrown away once they cool.  

4. Cat Litter

Cat litter should always stay out of toilets. While some brands say they are “flushable,” these products can clump together and increase the risk of septic tank damage. To avoid the need for expensive septic repair, properly bag and dispose of cat litter and put it in the trash.

5. Unapproved Cleaning Products

There are several cleaning products that, if flushed down the drain, can be caustic to pipes and increase the risk of future looks.  While chlorine- and bleach-based toilet cleaners are generally safe for municipal sewage systems, these products can upset the bacterial balance of the tank. If you have a septic system, choose toilet cleaners that use natural, non-chemical ingredients—such as baking soda and vinegar.   

Avoiding these items can significantly extend the life of your septic system and keep pipes healthy. If problems do arise, Downs Drain & Septic Service is here to help restore your flow safely and securely. Backed by advanced video inspection technology, these pros can easily pinpoint issues and offer swift, reliable septic repairs. If the damage is past repair, this team also provides affordable septic tank installation to homeowners throughout the Peninsula region. You can learn more about these services online or by calling a friendly specialist at (330) 929-5555.