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What Is Flushable And What Is Not?

March 13, 2024 | Blog

Turn To Our Professional Plumbing Team In New Orleans

In the bustling city of New Orleans, LA, the importance of maintaining a healthy plumbing system cannot be overstated. At Surgi’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we understand that the foundation of a comfortable home includes the essential aspects of plumbing maintenance.

One common issue that homeowners face is distinguishing between flushable and non-flushable items, which can significantly impact the health of more than just their bathroom plumbing systems. Our team is here to shed light on what is safe to flush and what is not. Our expertise will help you avoid dreaded clogged pipes and toilets.

Understanding Flushable Waste

Many products marketed as “flushable,” such as certain wipes and feminine hygiene products, often do not disintegrate quickly enough to safely pass through home plumbing systems.

This discrepancy can lead to clogged pipes and a malfunctioning sewage system. These issues can disrupt your convenience and lead to potential repairs.

What Items Are Safe To Flush?

The only items that are truly safe to flush are human waste and toilet paper that disintegrates quickly in water. These materials break down as they move through the plumbing system, ensuring a smooth flow without blockages.

Common Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed

Understanding what should not be flushed is crucial for maintaining a clog-free plumbing system. Here are some common culprits:

  • “Flushable” wipes — Despite their labeling, most wipes do not break down quickly enough. They can snag on any imperfection in the pipes, leading to clogs.
  • Feminine hygiene products — These products are designed to absorb moisture and expand. These features make them problematic for plumbing systems.
  • Dental floss — Its strength and tendency to tangle creates nets that hold onto other debris.
  • Cotton products — Items like cotton balls and swabs can clump together and obstruct pipes.
  • Paper towels and tissues: These products are designed to retain strength when wet, making them a common cause of blockages.

Disposing of these items in the trash instead of the toilet can significantly reduce the risk of clogs. It also helps protect your plumbing infrastructure. Remember, the toilet is not a trash can! Treating it as such can lead to costly and unpleasant plumbing emergencies.

Preventing Clogged Toilets And Pipes

To prevent the inconvenience and expense of clogged pipes and toilets, consider adopting the following practices:

  • Educate your household — Ensure everyone in your home knows what can and cannot be flushed.
  • Use a trash bin — Keep a waste bin in the bathroom for non-flushable items.
  • Regular maintenance — Schedule regular check-ups with a professional plumber to catch potential issues before they escalate.

Implementing these simple practices can greatly extend the life of your plumbing system and minimize the need for emergency repairs. Regular attention and care for your plumbing can save you time, money and inconvenience over time.

Say Goodbye To Clogged Pipes With Surgi’s

Despite our best efforts, clogs can still occur. If you’re facing a stubborn clogged toilet or suspect your pipes are blocked, it’s time to call in a professional plumbing team. DIY methods can sometimes worsen the problem, leading to more significant issues down the line.

Surgi’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing boasts a team of experienced professionals equipped to handle any plumbing challenge. Our services ensure your home’s system runs smoothly and efficiently.

The Best Plumbing Repairs In New Orleans, LA

Maintaining a healthy plumbing system is crucial for the comfort and functionality of your home. By understanding what is flushable and what is not, you can prevent the common issue of clogged pipes and toilets.

Remember, when in doubt, throw it out! Should you encounter any plumbing issues, know that Surgi’s Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in New Orleans, LA, is here to help. Contact us today to experience service that keeps your home’s plumbing in top condition!

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What Our Customers Are Saying

Highly Recommended!

Surgi’s was very pleasant to deal with. Always courteous customer service. Received my annual A/C maintenance today from Troy Robert. He gave me a courtesy call to let me know when he was coming. He arrived promptly, and was very friendly and informative. Highly recommended! Thank you!

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Very professional!

The technician, Rene, was very thorough and informative. He called before he was arriving to let me know when he would be there. It was in the window of time Surgis gave me. I will definitely use them for regular maintenance and future HVAC needs. Very professional!

Karin M.

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Surgi’s quickly responded to my call. Was at my home the next morning. The tech was very knowledgeable and polite. He had all the parts that he needed and was able to resolve my problems in a few hours. My maintenance contract was reasonable and worth every penny. I receive excellent care. I highly recommend Surgi’s.

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