7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard fixture in the home that we are using every day. We tend to think of its convenience for granted, but it’s vital to remember that it’s not a trash can. There are certain items that shouldn’t ever be flushed away down the drain as they can cause blockage from the pipes or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the toilet, as they can cause blockages in the drain or the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes within your plumbing system. This will come at an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
There are 7 household things that you should never flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option, but they do not break down like toilet paper. They can also clog pipes. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can result in blockages of both your home’s plumbing and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be removed from the container, then thrown in the garbage bin, as they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them can cause issues later on when they are combined with other items and cause a clog.
5. Medications
Medicines should not be flushed in the toilet since they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be tough and durable, meaning it won’t break apart in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave, which makes them less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, meaning they can easily cause blockages.
If you flush any of these items will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system that will result in a significant cost to the homeowner. Stay mindful of what you send down the toilet.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
FAQs
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes do not really break down and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Can I wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed into the toilet since they are not able to dissolve quickly and could cause obstructions.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they don’t break down as easily, leading to the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush them into the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways. Therefore, it’s essential to dispose of them correctly by taking the containers to an appropriate drop-off location.
If you are dealing with the problem of a blocked drain Don’t delay in calling our professional plumbing assistance by calling Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber . We provide unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to make sure your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- Warning Signs You May Need a CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Commercial Property
- Wave Goodbye to Blocked Pipes: Simple Tricks to Apply
- Problems with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions & Tips
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Becoming Proficient in Plumbing Remedies for Stubborn Clogged Drains
- Discover the perfect plumber for your clogged drain crisis
- Discover Why Jetting is the Perfect Solution for Your Blocked Drain Woes
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- How to Detect a Blocked Drain in Your Home or Business
