Thursday, May 26th, 2016

Cincinnati drain cleaning – To flush or not to flush?

We love our toilet – flushing ‘stuff’ down the drain is so very satisfying.  Although our conventional wisdom is “if you wouldn’t eat it, don’t flush it,” who wants to put that gnarly black, slimy hair clog from the lavatory drain in the trash can? Not us, that’s for sure.  We decided a little research on what plumbers across the country, including Cincinnati, suggest for ‘flushability.’

Commonly Flushed Items That Should Go in the Trash Can

Toilets are sensitive devices.  Flushing items such as the ones below will lead to a clogged drain sooner or later.

• Cigarette Butts

• Toys

• Washcloths/facial tissues

• “Flushable” wipes – just because an item is labeled “flushable,” it may not be.  Use the trash can for these items.

• Dryer sheets

• Baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, moist wipes, etc.

• Toilet bowl scrub pads

• Swiffer-type mop cloths

• Napkins (paper or cloth), paper towels

• Dental floss – it can snag on the pipes and create a net-like trap for other items

• Egg shells, nutshells, and coffee grounds

• Fats, oils, and greases

• Hair

• Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, or any non-organic material

• Sheet plastic, or plastic of any kind

• Diapers (cloth, disposable, “flushable”)

Take the Flush Test

If you are curious about whether an item can be flushed, perform this simple comparison test:  Fill two medium-sized bowls with cold water.  In one bowl, place a small amount of toilet paper; place the item to be flushed in the other.  Let the bowls sit for about an hour.  After the time has passed, swish the bowls of water a bit – the toilet paper bowl should show noticeable signs of decomposition. If the other item (e.g., anything on the list above), remains “undigested”, it’s not flushable.

What’s the Big Deal?

Non-degradable items can sit in your drain line and create blockages that will prevent flushable solids (i.e., poo and toilet paper) from passing through.  Typically, the radius of a main drain line is about 4” – not a lot of room for blockage! What’s worse, a blockage in your home or business sewer line can create blockages for your neighbors.  And the only thing worse than your sewage in the basement is finding your neighbor’s sewage in your basement.

Water You Waiting For? If you are experiencing slow or clogged toilets or main drain line/sewer issues, the professionals at Allied Reddi-Rooter are on hand with high-speed water jetting, augers, and more to get your drains flowing again. Call Ray today at 513-396-5300 for a free estimate.