7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard household fixture that we all use daily. The temptation is to consider its utility for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a garbage can. There are certain things that should not be flushed down the toilet because they could cause blockage inside the sewer or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items into the toilet because they can cause blockages in the drain or harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system. This will come at an unimaginable cost to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
These are the seven items in your home that you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and could clog your plumbing system. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can cause blockages to both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil must be removed from a container, then thrown in the trash, as they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them can cause problems later when they mix with other things to cause a terrible clog.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications through the toilet, as they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be sturdy and durable, meaning it won’t be able to break when wet, which can lead to possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper papers have a stronger weave that means they are less likely to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing one of these seven things will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system that will result in a significant cost to you. 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. |
FAQs
Does flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not disintegrate in water, and could cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed into the toilet since they won’t 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 will not break down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.
What about medications? Should I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, which is why it’s crucial to dispose of them correctly by taking them to a designated location for disposal.
If you’re faced with an unblocking drain, don’t be afraid to contact 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 ensure that your home is free of drainage problems. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- Why Regular Drain Cleaning Should Be Part of Your Home Maintenance Routine
- The DIY Guide: Clear Your Clogged Drains in No Time Flat
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Ways to Confirm & Detect a Obstructed Pipeline
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
