7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber on 18 Sep 2024

The toilet is a ubiquitous fixture in the home that we regularly use. The temptation is to consider its convenience for granted, however it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a garbage can. Certain things should not be flushed down the drain because they could cause blockage from the pipes or damage for sewer drains.

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t flush certain items into the toilet because they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause the damage of sewer lines.
  • Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Oil and cooking grease
    • Feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
    • Medicines
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • The act of flushing any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an unforetold cost to you.
  • Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.

Here are seven household items that you should never flush down the drain.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes may seem convenient, but they do not break down as easily as toilet paper. They can also clog water lines. Put them in the garbage instead.

2. Condoms

The flushing of condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of the plumbing of your home as well as the wastewater treatment plant.

3. Cooking grease and oil

Grease and oil should be removed from the container, then thrown in the trash, because they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.

4. Produits for female hygiene

Tampons and sanitary pads are often advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to problems later when they mix with other things to form a nasty obstruction.

5. Medicines

The flushing of medications should not occur down the toilet because they can contaminate our water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is crafted to be tough that means it will not split in water, leading to possible blockages in your pipes.

7. Paper towels

Contrary to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave that helps them to break down quickly when wet, meaning they can quickly cause blockages.

The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains and damaged pipes in your plumbing system which will incur a huge price to the homeowner. Be mindful of the items 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.

Frequently Asked Question

Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? really damage my pipes?

Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not dissolve in water and could cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.

Are flushable wipes actually flushable?

No, many "flushable" wipes do not disintegrate easily and may cause clogs in your pipes.

Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?

No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet as they do not dissolve quickly and could cause obstructions.

Are paper towels suitable to flush?

No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and do not break down with the same ease, resulting in the possibility of clogging in your plumbing system.

What are the implications of medications? Can I flush them into the toilet?

No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. It’s important to dispose of them correctly by taking your medications to the designated location for disposal.

If you’re dealing with the problem of a blocked drain Do not hesitate to call our professional plumbing services at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer services to clear blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure that your home remains free from issues with drainage. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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