Avoid clogged pipes and costly repairs with these tips on what not to flush.

Learn the culprits to keep your plumbing and septic system in top shape.

So, can hair clog a toilet?

Items You Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet

Credit:BHG / Julie Bang

Yes, it can.

BHG / Julie Bang

1.

Keep a lined trash can in your bathroom and dispose of wipes there instead.

woman flushing a toilet

Credit: Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images

BHG / Ana Cadena

2.

Always dispose of paper towels,reusable paper towels, and tissues in the garbage, not the toilet.

Large wads of toilet paper are difficult to flush and can easily cause a clog in small pipes.

paper towel roll

Credit:BHG / Ana Cadena

To avoidtoilet troubles, use only what you need next time you head to the restroom.

Hair

Can hair clog a toilet?

Don’t flush large clumps of hair down the toilet.

cotton swabs and balls on bathroom sink

Credit:BHG / Ana Cadena

Use drain covers or strainers made of stainless steel or silicone to avoid clogging your drains and pipes.

Bandages

Some bandages are made of non-biodegradable plastic, which can pollute water systems when flushed down the toilet.

The sticky adhesive can also adhere to other items, resulting in a larger clog.

kitty litty box

Credit:BHG / Ana Cadena

Avoid these issues by disposing of bandages in a garbage can.

After safely extinguishing them, dispose of cigarettes in the trash.

Always bag and dispose of cat litter and waste in the trash.

It’s important to remember that a toilet is not a replacement for your garbage can.

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