Homeowner guidePrevention
Things That Should Stay Out of Your Drains
Many plumbing calls come down to things that should never have gone down the drain. This list can save you from clogs and backups.
Shower cabin with glass walls near mirror hanging on wall above sink in modern minimalist styled bathroom.
- Short steps a homeowner can follow safely
- What to check before you pick up the phone
- Clear signs it is time to call a plumber
- Markham and York Region notes where they matter
- Licensing details confirmed when you call
- Residential
- Commercial
- Markham & York Region
The short version
- Wipes, even those labelled flushable.
- Paper towels and tissues.
- Feminine hygiene products.
- Diapers.
- Cotton swabs and balls.
- Dental floss.
- Medications.
- Cat litter.
- Hair.
Never flush
Only toilet paper and human waste belong in the toilet.
Never pour down the sink
- Fats, oils and grease.
- Coffee grounds.
- Rice, pasta and other starchy foods.
- Egg shells.
- Paint and solvents.
- Chemicals and cleaners in large amounts.
Why wipes are a problem
Wipes stay intact long after toilet paper has dissolved. They catch on pipe joints, roots and other debris, building into thick clogs. They also cause problems at municipal treatment plants and pumping stations.
From the van: A lidded bathroom bin beside the toilet solves most wipe problems. It is the easiest way to keep wipes out of the toilet.
Better options
| Item | Where it goes |
|---|---|
| Cooled cooking grease | Green bin, absorbed in paper towel |
| Food scraps | Green bin |
| Medications | Pharmacy take-back |
| Paint and solvents | York Region household hazardous waste depot |
Check York Region's waste guide for current sorting rules.
If something goes down
If you drop something that should not be flushed, stop flushing. Use a plunger if needed. If the toilet backs up or the item is hard, call a plumber before it moves further down the line.
A word on septic homes
For rural properties near Markham that use a septic tank, the rules are even stricter. Grease and wipes clog the outlet baffle, and harsh cleaners kill the bacteria the tank depends on. Treat every drain as if it leads to your own backyard, because it does.