Keep your drains clear with this simple list of items to avoid flushing!

Guy J. • January 21, 2021

Many homeowners believe that plumbing problems can be solved easily with DIY solutions.

Prevent Plumbing Problems with DIY solutions

While the toilet has been around since the 1500s (depending on your choice of plumbing historian), some people still apparently consider it to be a thing of magic, instantly removing anything unwanted and unappealing with just a single flush. If anyone knows better, it’s a trained plumber...and the homeowner who had to pay said plumber to extricate that discarded item. As a helpful refresher, we submit a list of items that definitely should not be shown their exit via your toilet...


1. Tissues AND Paper Towels – Not all paper is created equal. While toilet paper is acceptable, tissues and paper towels do NOT disintegrate in the sewer line. .

2. Cooking Grease and Oil– As straightforward as some of these items will appear...they’re only on the list because at one point, someone clearly felt otherwise. Why no cooking oil or grease? Once it congeals into fat, it is as hard as a bowling ball. Is that something you would like in your pipes? Question answered.

3. Contact Lenses - While this item may not present an immediate hazard to your own plumbing, flushing contact lenses is just a not-good-at-all idea. With well over a million people wearing contact lenses every day, discarding just a fraction of that down the toilet further adds to the micro plastics going into our water.

4. Cosmetic and Baby Wipes - Maybe these weren’t anywhere close to first on your list, but wet wipes are actually one of the worst drain-clogging culprits. Responsible for roughly half of all blockages that then lead to the accumulation of fat, (aka ‘Fatbergs’), cosmetic wipes do not dissolve in water. As well, they are a very negative influence when it comes to sewage treatment. Pretty much the same rules apply to Baby wipes. Just because they’re gentle and soft enough for newborns, they are not any kind of a friend to your pipes and don’t decompose.

5. Medication – This is another no-no that may not take a toll on your drains and pipes, but is fundamentally wrong for the water supply. Water treatment plants can only extract a finite amount of toxins, so make it a simple but crucial rule: whatever kind of medication you want out of the house, simply seal it in a bag and drop it in the trash.

6. Hair - If you had been asked to guess at probable causes of clogged drains, this might have made your top two guesses…but it still happens. Hair is a double-negative on your plumbing, because it not only builds up into potentially giant balls to cause blockages, but can also trap unwanted odours. Shampooing means some hair is bound to go down the drain, but if you’re combing or brushing, try to do it away from the sink or toilet.

7. Dental Floss – We’ve already mentioned not trying to grow objects the size of bowling balls in your pipes. Dental floss consists of either nylon or Teflon, so combined with any of the other objects on our list, like wet wipes or paper towels, the floss almost becomes a sort of mesh to help form a mass that is only going to grow and become a blockage. Flossing will definitely save you money at the dentist, but disposing of the floss into the trash will save you just as much when it comes to a plumber.

8. Cigarette Butts – You may be tired of being told that cigarettes aren’t good for you. Well, it’s not a friend of your local water treatment plant, either. The cigarette filter on its own contains cellulose acetate, some paper and rayon, plus the expected carcinogens, nicotine and all the other numerous toxins.

9. Chewing Gum – We know, a lot of people resort to gum to get off the smoking habit. We’re just saying if you’re doing either or both find another place to dispose of them. Gum is cohesive, so it will stick to the insides of your pipes, blocking a steady flow. Just like your sixth-grade teacher said, Gum goes in the garbage.

10. Diapers – Anytime you start a sentence with “It Goes without Saying…’, apparently, it still required saying. Diapers are still being flushed, which is now even more problematic, since they consist of materials that expand when exposed to fluids.


Whether your plumbing problem is residential, commercial or industrial, A Rescue Rooter has more than four decades of experience to offer. Let the Professionals take care of it for you.

Mid-Summer Plumbing Problems Every Homeowner Should Watch For

August 6, 2026
Summer is in full swing, the kids are home, guests are visiting, gardens are thriving, and your home's plumbing system is likely working harder than it has all year. While most homeowners think about plumbing problems during freezing winter weather, mid-summer can bring its own unique set of challenges. Being aware of common seasonal plumbing issues can help you avoid costly repairs and unexpected emergencies. If you notice signs of trouble, the experienced team at a Rescue Rooter is available to help homeowners throughout Hamilton with fast, professional plumbing services. 1. Clogged Kitchen Drains Summer often means more family gatherings, backyard barbecues, and outdoor entertaining. Unfortunately, all that extra cooking can wreak havoc on your kitchen sink. Grease, cooking oils, coffee grounds, vegetable peels, and food scraps can gradually build up inside your drains. Even if everything appears to be flowing normally, partial blockages can quickly become complete clogs. To help prevent problems: ● Never pour grease down the sink. ● Use drain strainers to catch food particles. ● Run plenty of cold water when using your garbage disposal. 2. Sewer Line Problems Tree roots are especially active during the warm summer months as they search for moisture. Tiny cracks in underground sewer lines can attract roots, eventually leading to blockages, slow drains, unpleasant odours, or even sewage backups. Warning signs include: ● Multiple slow drains throughout the home ● Gurgling toilets ● Water backing up into tubs or showers ● Sewage smells inside or outside your home Professional camera inspections can identify these problems before they become major repairs. a Rescue Rooter offers camera inspections, drain cleaning, hydro flushing, and sewer services for homeowners in Hamilton. 3. Washing Machine Overload With kids home from school, vacations, camping trips, sports, and swimming, many families find themselves doing far more laundry than usual. Extra loads place added strain on: ● Water supply hoses ● Drain lines ● Shut-off valves ● Washing machine connections Inspect hoses regularly for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Replacing an aging hose is far less expensive than cleaning up water damage from a burst line. 4. Outdoor Faucet Leaks Garden watering, pressure washing, filling pools, and washing vehicles all increase demand on outdoor faucets. Watch for: ● Dripping hose bibs ● Low water pressure ● Water pooling around exterior walls ● Leaks where hoses connect Small leaks may seem insignificant but can waste hundreds of litres of water over the course of a summer. 5. Sump Pump Issues Summer thunderstorms can dump large amounts of rain in a short period of time. If your sump pump hasn't been tested recently, you may not discover a problem until your basement begins taking on water. It's a good idea to: ● Test the pump before heavy storms arrive. ● Ensure the discharge line is clear. ● Remove debris from the sump pit. ● Consider a battery backup for power outages. 6. Water Heater Trouble Although your water heater works less during the summer, sediment buildup doesn't take a vacation. Signs your water heater may need attention include: ● Inconsistent hot water ● Strange rumbling noises ● Rust-coloured water ● Water leaking around the tank Routine maintenance can improve efficiency and extend the life of your water heater. 7. Hidden Leaks Summer vacations can leave homes sitting empty for days or even weeks. A small plumbing leak can become a major problem while you're away. Before leaving: ● Check under sinks. ● Inspect toilets for leaks. ● Turn off the main water supply if practical. ● Ask someone to check your home if you'll be away for an extended period. Don't Ignore Small Plumbing Problems One dripping faucet or one slow drain may not seem urgent, but small issues often become much larger—and much more expensive—when ignored. Mid-summer is an excellent time to inspect your home's plumbing before busy fall schedules return. Whether you're dealing with a clogged drain, sewer concerns, leaking pipes, water heater problems, or emergency plumbing repairs, a Rescue Rooter has been serving Hamilton and the surrounding area with residential, commercial, and emergency plumbing services. Their team provides 24/7 emergency service along with drain cleaning, video inspections, water heater repairs, sewer services, and general plumbing repairs. For more information or to schedule service, visit www.arescuerooter.ca . A little preventative maintenance today can help keep your plumbing flowing smoothly for the rest of the summer.

Drain Cleaning Hamilton: Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning Before a Small Clog Becomes a Big Problem

By Chelsey Smith • July 23, 2026
A slow-draining sink or recurring clogged shower might seem like a minor inconvenience, but these issues often point to a much larger plumbing problem. Ignoring blocked drains can lead to unpleasant odours, water damage, sewer backups, and expensive repairs. That's why homeowners and businesses rely on professional Drain Cleaning Hamilton services to keep their plumbing systems flowing properly year-round. At Rescue Rooter, we've been providing trusted plumbing and drain cleaning services throughout Hamilton and Southern Ontario for over 40 years. Whether you're dealing with a stubborn kitchen sink clog or a backed-up sewer line, our experienced team has the tools and expertise to solve the problem quickly and effectively.

The Plumbing Problems Most Homeowners Ignore, Until It’s Too Late

By Chelsey Smith • June 23, 2026
When most people think about plumbing, they only think about it when something goes wrong. A dripping faucet, a clogged drain, or a flooded basement can quickly turn an ordinary day into a stressful and expensive situation. But what many homeowners don't realize is that professional plumbers provide a wide range of services designed to prevent these problems before they happen. If you're searching for reliable Hamilton Plumbers , understanding the full range of available services can help you protect your home, save money, and avoid emergency situations.
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