Can I Flush These Common Items Down the Toilet in Charleston?

When it comes to keeping your plumbing in good shape, what you flush down the toilet matters. At Rooter Man, we have been helping Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville residents with drain cleaning and plumbing issues for over 20 years. One of the most common calls we get is for clogged toilets and slow drains. While paper towels and wipes are obvious culprits, there are a surprising number of everyday items that can silently cause major problems over time.

Dental Floss
Many people do not realize that dental floss can be a serious plumbing hazard. It can wrap around the inside of pipes, especially older cast iron or narrow PVC pipes, and gradually build up. Over time, this floss can catch other debris and create a stubborn clog. We see it often during drain cleaning appointments, and it is one of those hidden issues that homeowners rarely consider.

Cotton Swabs, Cotton Balls, and Q-Tips
Small and seemingly harmless, these items do not break down in water. They can get trapped in pipe bends or joints, slowly restricting flow. During our drain inspections, we frequently find these items combined with other debris, forming a blockage that could have been avoided with simple precautions.

Hair from Brushes or Shower Drains
Hair is another common culprit that is easily overlooked. A few strands may seem insignificant, but hair binds together with soap scum and other particles, creating clogs that take a professional to clear. When we arrive for a drain cleaning in Charleston or the surrounding areas, we often notice thick hair build-up that has caused slow-draining toilets and showers.

Baby Wipes and Cleaning Wipes
Even wipes labeled flushable do not break down like toilet paper. They can create serious backups in your home plumbing or municipal sewer lines. These are easy to spot during our visits, but they remain one of the most frequent causes of clogged toilets.

Condoms
Yes, condoms are another item that should never be flushed. They do not break down and can create significant clogs. Believe me when I tell you it is always an awkward moment when we have to pull these out of the drain in front of a customer.

Pro Tip: Small Items on Shelves Above the Toilet
Even items you store nearby, like small bottles or decorative objects, can create big problems if they get knocked into the toilet and accidentally flushed. That one little accident when you are in a hurry can lead to a clog that requires professional help to fix.

The Takeaway
Preventing clogs is largely a matter of knowing what should and should not be flushed. At Rooter Man, our 20 years of experience in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and Summerville have taught us that even small or unusual items like floss, hair, or condoms can create big headaches. Avoid flushing anything that is not toilet paper, and schedule a professional drain cleaning if you notice slow drains or recurring clogs.

When you need reliable, fast, and thorough drain service in Charleston and the surrounding area, call Rooter Man. We can help keep your plumbing flowing smoothly.