Fast Plumbing Answers: Can You Flush That?

You're standing at the toilet, holding something in your hand, and a little voice in your head is asking, "Can I flush that?" Many times, household items and toiletries that seem harmless can lead to costly plumbing nightmares. 

Are flushable wipes really flushable? Can you flush Kleenex, tampons or hair?

Don't worry — we'll answer all your questions in 2 minutes or less.

We’re Mother, a Dallas-Fort Worth plumbing company that provides dependable, hassle-free modern plumbing for homeowners who value quality. We’ll help you understand what's safe to flush and provide expert sewer line repair and replacement services when clogs inevitably happen.

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10 Things You Can't Flush Down the Toilet (But Probably Do)

For answers, we turned to Steven Smith, our Master Plumber at Mother Modern Plumbing. In his 19 years of experience as a Dallas-Fort Worth plumber, he’s seen it all when it comes to toilet clogs — action figures, massive hair clogs, even a single Q-Tip. 

Our research team discovered the top 10 questions that homeowners ask about flushing household items and toiletries down the toilet. 

Spoiler alert: Steven says almost everything should stay out of your toilet bowl.

TABLE: Can you flush these items down the toilet?

Can you flush paper towels?

No. Paper towels are designed to be highly absorbent and durable, unlike toilet paper, which is made to break down quickly in water.

Can you flush Kleenex?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. Steven notes that Kleenex is "pretty close to the consistency of toilet paper," meaning it might pass through. However, it's still thicker and less soluble than toilet paper, increasing the risk of a clog over time.

Can you flush baby wipes?

No. Baby wipes are thick and fibrous. They’re designed to not dissolve while they clean. They are a common culprit for household clogs — even though they’re the most common thing we pull out of drains.

Can you flush "flushable wipes"?

No. Steven states emphatically that flushable wipes are "Still not flushable. They only say flushable so they can sell them to you." 

These wipes do not break down in sewer lines, and are notorious for causing significant clogs deep in sewer mains.

Can you flush tampons?

Absolutely not. Tampons are designed to absorb liquids and expand, making them a prime candidate for creating serious blockages in your sewer pipes.

Can you flush condoms?

No. Most condoms are made of latex and will not break down in your plumbing system. Even if you use non-latex condoms, don’t flush them.

Can you flush hair?

No. Hair is highly resilient and doesn't dissolve in water. It can easily entangle with other debris in your pipes, forming stubborn clogs. 

Steven’s simple advice for the only place hair belongs? “Put it in the trash can.”

Can you flush napkins?

No. Similar to paper towels, napkins are not designed to disintegrate in water and can quickly lead to blockages.

Can you flush dental floss?

No. Dental floss is strong and can get wrapped around other debris or snag on imperfections inside your pipes, creating a network for clogs to form.

Can you flush cigarettes?

No. Cigarettes do not break down in water and contain chemicals that can harm your plumbing system and the environment.

If It's Not Waste or Toilet Paper, Don't Flush It

Steven’s rule of thumb for your toilet: "Let’s keep it simple: toilet paper and number two. That's the only two things you can flush.” 

Many items, especially those labeled "flushable," simply don't break down quickly enough to prevent problems.

The big “flushable wipes” lie

Steven explains the issue with "flushable wipes": 

"Nothing dissolves like toilet paper,” Steven explains. “So flushable wipes eventually may break down, but not in time to stop clogs.”

Homes with older sewer pipe materials are at increased risk for clogs and damage caused by flushable wipes. Steven warns that cast iron systems are particularly vulnerable:

“Those wipes are fibrous, and cast iron will grab onto them and cause stoppages."

Even small items cause big sewer pipe damage

Even small, seemingly innocent items can cause big problems. 

The hole in the bottom of your toilet is 1 ⅞” wide — just under 2 inches. Anything bigger than that simply won’t flush down your toilet.

Most homeowners don’t realize this applies to every way you can turn an item, no matter how small it seems. That’s how one Dallas resident clogged their toilet drain with one Q-Tip.

Steven shared an anecdote about Q-Tips ruining a Dallas sewer pipe. 

“When people flush Q-Tips, they actually get stuck sideways in the toilet,” Steven says. “They went to use the toilet later, and it stopped the toilet up. Just one little teeny Q-tip."

3 other ways improper flushing ruins your sewer pipes

Consistently flushing inappropriate items can lead to significant damage and costly repairs down the line:

• Sewer line clogs: The most immediate and common issue, leading to backups in your toilets, sinks, and showers.
• Pinhole leaks: Over time, corrosive materials from certain flushed items or the stress from repeated blockages can contribute to pipe degradation and leaks.
• Tree root intrusions: Weakened pipes from blockages can make them more susceptible to root penetration. This is a significant problem in areas with mature trees that have invasive root systems, like Dallas-Fort Worth.

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Have a Sewer Clog? Call Mother for Fast Sewer Repair

Understanding what you can and cannot flush is vital for maintaining a healthy plumbing system. Stick to only human waste and toilet paper to avoid costly clogs and damage. 

When improper flushing, tree roots, or other issues lead to a sewer line problem, professional intervention is essential.

Mother Modern Plumbing is your trusted partner for fast, effective sewer line repair and replacement in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We offer comprehensive services to ensure your sewer lines are clear and functioning perfectly, providing lasting solutions to protect your home. 

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