Unclogging a toilet can cost you hundreds. Avoid flushing the wrong items and protect your wallet!
Understanding the Cost of Unclogging a Toilet
The national average unclog toilet cost ranges between $200 to $700. Many homeowners find themselves facing a bill of about $350 when they call a plumber to use an electric auger to clear clogs. While there's a chance you might be lucky and only need a simple drain snaking or a professional chemical treatment, these scenarios are exceptions rather than the rule. By learning what items can lead to clogs, you can prevent expensive plumbing bills and avoid the inconvenience of dealing with plumbing issues at the most inconvenient times.
The Importance of Not Flushing Non-Flushable Items
Water treatment centers in Minnesota and Wisconsin have compiled a list of 17 things you must never flush down the toilet. Not only can these items cause costly plumbing repairs, but they can also damage vital wastewater treatment machinery, leading to larger municipal problems. Protecting both your plumbing system and city resources is crucial. Understanding that only toilet paper is safe for flushing can save you from a visit to your local plumber.
Here’s a detailed look at the 17 non-flushable items you should always keep out of your toilet
1. Wipes: Even those labeled “flushable” can cause clogs.
2. Paper Towels: Unlike toilet paper, these don’t disintegrate easily.
3. Feminine Hygiene Products: Items like tampons and pads can swell and block pipes.
4. Cotton Balls and Swabs: These can easily get stuck in pipes and create blockages.
5. Food Scraps: Though it may seem harmless, food can cause significant clogs.
6. Medications: Flushing drugs can harm the environment; dispose of them properly.
7. Grease and Oils: These substances solidify in pipes, causing severe clogs.
8. Sewage Treatment Products: These can interfere with local wastewater systems.
9. Condoms: Made of latex or polyisoprene, which can cause blockages.
10. Hair: Long strands can tangle and create a blockage in your plumbing.
11. Diapers: They don’t break down and can create massive plumbing issues.
12. Cigarette Butts: These can clog pipes; dispose of them in trash instead.
13. Nail Extensions and Artificial Nails: These are never meant for flushing.
14. Lint: Your washing machine lint should also not go into the toilet.
15. Face Masks: Dispose of these in trash as they can block drainage.
16. Carbon Masks and Filters: These can damage equipment at treatment plants.
17. Tissues: While they seem similar to toilet paper, tissues do not dissolve well.
Preventing Expensive Plumbing Bills
To avoid the hassle of calling a plumber and incurring high plumbing repair costs, educate your family about what can be safely flushed. Especially in households with children, being proactive can prevent the urge to flush non-flushable items out of curiosity or misunderstanding. Ensure that everyone understands that only toilet paper is safe to dispose of in the toilet.
Consider placing a trash bin in your bathroom for non-flushable items. This small step can lead to significant savings on plumbing costs in the long run. When a toilet gets clogged, feelings of frustration can arise quickly, creating urgency to resolve the situation. Doing your part in protecting your plumbing helps mitigate those emergency calls.
Underestimating the cost of wastewater treatment machinery damage caused by flushing inappropriate items can lead to large financial burdens for municipalities. Sometimes, the costs incurred by plumbing repairs can reflect back on the public, raising bills or taxes to cover the expenses of treating damaged infrastructure.
Understanding Local Resources
It's also essential to stay informed about local guidelines regarding waste disposal. Municipalities in Minnesota and Wisconsin often have resources and literature about keeping their systems running smoothly and effectively. Watching for public service announcements and community workshops can provide insight into sustainable living practices, all while saving tax dollars and reducing maintenance costs for public services.
Taking care to avoid flushing the 17 specific items not only protects your plumbing but also contributes positively to municipal resources and the surrounding community. Plumbers are always in high demand, but allowing yourself to become well-versed in plumbing best practices, such as adhering to appropriate disposal methods, can significantly lessen your chance of needing these services.
As a homeowner, you wield the power to ensure your plumbing remains in great working condition, helping you avoid costly plumbing bills.
By following this simple guideline about what never to flush down the toilet, you can ensure optimal plumbing performance. Save your hard-earned money while contributing to a more efficient waste disposal system. Make informed decisions today to avoid plumbing problems tomorrow!