The average person uses the restroom between six and seven times a day. 

That’s a lot of opportunities for a clogged toilet. Because of this, you need to be careful about what you’re flushing. 

Keep reading to learn about the worst things you can flush that’ll cause a clogged toilet. Then, get helpful suggestions about what you can do to unclog your throne.

1. Tissues or Paper Towels

While both tissues and paper towels seem similar enough to toilet paper, they can cause an unsightly situation in your bathroom. 

Flushing paper towels or tissues causes issues because they are thicker products that don’t dissolve as easily. So instead of disintegrating like toilet paper, they build up in your pipes and sewer system. 

2. Tampons

Are tampons flushable? No. You should avoid flushing tampons if possible. 

These products are designed to absorb liquids and expand in the process. So once flushed, they’ll expand in your pipes causing an increased potential for a clogged toilet. 

This rule also applies for pads. 

3. Cat Litter

Some cat litter is advertised as flushable, but this also can cause issues with your toilet. 

Cat litter doesn’t dissolve and sticks to your pipes. Instead of adding convenience to your litter box disposal, it can cause a nightmare down the road. Use plastic bags and dispose of the litter in the trash. 

4. Diapers

Diapers down the drain is a big no. 

Diapers are larger than pads but work the same way — they absorb liquid. Anything that is meant to absorb liquid should stay away from your toilet. If you do flush them, they increase in size and don’t easily dissolve, leaving you with a clogged toilet. 

If you do flush diapers down the drain, you’ll soon need emergency sewer and drain cleaning. Resist the temptation to quickly dispose of diapers and throw them away instead. 

5. Condoms

While the toilet may seem like a convenient place to dispose of a condom once the deed is done, it’ll cause you a lot of headache down the road. Save yourself the stress and throw that condom in the trash instead. 

Condoms are meant to keep things contained and one of the ways they do this is by not disintegrating when exposed to liquids. So instead of dissolving in your pipes, they linger and build up, eventually causing an issue in your pipes. 

How to Fix a Clogged Toilet

Now that you know what causes a clogged toilet, do you know how to fix a clogged toilet?

If your toilet clogs easily, you probably already have a plunger handy. Plunging is the first method you should try. A plumbing snake is also a helpful tool to break up any items clogging your toilet. 

Baking soda and vinegar are also great tools for a clogged toilet. Add one cup of baking soda to your toilet and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, slowly add two cups of vinegar, wait a few more minutes, and flush. 

If these two methods don’t work, you may need to contact a professional.  

Have more questions? Check out the education section of our site for more informative information!