From low water pressure to a clogged toilet or overflowing sink, plumbing problems are stressful for homeowners. But are there things to avoid flushing down the toilet to prevent problems? The list of potential plumbing problems homeowners deal with each year can be overwhelming, which is why Charity Tovar, founder and CEO of Charity’s Plumbing Solutions in Laveen, is striving to make a difference in her community.

As a proud female and minority business owner in an industry primarily run by men, Tovar is focused on helping homeowners educate themselves about how to avoid plumbing disasters and when to call in the pros to help.

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“I started this business in 2023 because I knew how challenging it can be for a woman to get good service without worrying that she is being taken advantage of,” Tovar said. “Currently fewer than 5% of plumbers nationwide are women. I am out to change that statistic and help female homeowners across the Valley know they have people they can trust when dealing with plumbing issues.” 

According to LendingTree, the number of single women homeowners surpasses single male homeowners by 2.71 million. Single women own nearly 11 million homes across the country.

“They want to know they can have someone in their home that they trust,” Tovar said.

One of the most common issues Charity’s Plumbing Solution sees daily is clogged toilets. According to Forbes, the average cost to fix a broken toilet ranges from $150 to $400.

Things to avoid flushing down toilet

There are several things Valley homeowners can do to avoid dealing with a clogged toilet. Nearly all the rules apply to being aware of what is being flushed.

  • Never flush food down the toilet. When you flush food, you are creating a blockage in the pipes and preventing water from going down with ease.
  • Don’t flush cotton balls or cotton swabs because they don’t dissolve.
  • Keep a trash can nearby so guests won’t flush tissues, napkins, or paper towels down the toilet. These items are not designed to disintegrate like toilet paper.
  • Never flush baby wipes – or worse yet – diapers.
  • Avoid disposing of feminine hygiene napkins in your toilet. These absorb moisture and expand making it difficult to pass through pipes and sewers.
  • Don’t dump grease or oil in your toilet bowl. While these items may go down the pipes as liquid, eventually they begin to cool and build up on the sides of your pipes creating a blockage.
  • Animals, dead or alive, will never disintegrate in water. Even small animals run a significant risk of clogging your sewage system.
  • Dental floss and hair should be tossed, not flushed. Tiny strands seem like they would flow through pipes with ease, but neither hair nor floss are made of degradable material. They can tangle up and stick to anything they pass through in your sewage system, creating large clogs.

“If you run into a clogged toilet issue, the first line of defense is a DIY plunger or snake,” Tovar said. “If this doesn’t work, it is probably time to call a pro. Plumbers not only have special tools, but we also have years of training and expertise to unclog even the most stubborn issues.” 

Charity’s Plumbing Solutions was launched in April 2023 by Charity and Rigo Tovar. They live in and service Laveen and the surrounding areas. The company was established to bring affordability back to plumbing. Small business clients can save 30-50% from private equity firm owned companies, without losing out on quality and craftsmanship.

In the past year, Charity’s Plumbing Solutions paid for several local high school scholarships totaling more than $7,000, was a sponsor for the 72nd Annual Laveen BBQ, developed a partnership with South Mountain Community College’s Construction Trades Institute, joined the South Mountain and Laveen Chamber of Commerce, and took part in several community cleanup efforts through membership in Redeem Neighborhoods. Charity is part of the Laveen Community Council, Laveen Citizens for Responsible Development, and the Laveen Coalition Against Fentanyl. In addition, Charity Plumbing Solutions is the only Laveen business approved by the Phoenix Union High School District as a Partner Volunteer.

To celebrate their first year of business, Charity’s Plumbing Solutions is throwing a free community-wide picnic 3-6:30 p.m. on April 6 at Ashely’s Backyard in Laveen. For more information about this woman-owned plumbing business, visit Charity’s Plumbing Solutions.