7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical fixture in the home that we are using every day. We tend to think of its utility for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a trash can. There are certain items that shouldn’t be flushed down the drain since they can cause blockage within the drainage system or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items in the bathroom because they could block the drain or harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Cleaning any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This will come at an unforetold cost to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
These are the seven items in your home you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however, they do not break down as easily as toilet paper, and they can block water lines. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both your plumbing system and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Oil and grease must be removed from the container before throwing it away in the garbage bin, as they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to issues later on when they combine with other items to create a nasty clog.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications down the toilet because they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be durable that means it will not split in water, causing potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave which means they are less likely to deteriorate quickly once they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system which will incur a huge cost to the homeowner. Be mindful of what you put down the drain.
| 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. |
FAQ
Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t disintegrate in water, and can cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Can I use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet because they don’t dissolve easily and can cause blockages.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down as quickly, causing possible clogs in your plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Should I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of 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 a blocked drain, don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing assistance for assistance at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber . We can help you unblock blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure that your home is not impacted by drain issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Becoming Proficient in Plumbing Remedies for Stubborn Clogged Drains
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- Ensuring the Longevity of Your Business's Pipes with Regular Drain Inspections
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Problems with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions & Tips
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
