7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard fixture in the home that we regularly use. The temptation is to consider its utility as a given, but it’s important to remember that it’s no garbage can. There are some things that should not to be flushed into the drain since they can cause blockage in the drain or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items in the bathroom because they could cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system. This will come at an unforetold cost to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
There are 7 household things you should never flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful but they don’t break down like toilet paper and could clog the plumbing in your home. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can lead to blockages in both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease should be removed from a container, and then disposed of in the garbage bin, as they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause problems later when they join with other products to cause a terrible clog.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications through the toilet, as they could pollute our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be sturdy that means it will not be able to break in water, leading to potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave, which will make them less likely to degrade quickly after being wet, which means they won’t quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items can lead to blocked drains or damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which can result in an unexpected expense to you. Be mindful of what you pour down your 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 Questions
Does flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t disintegrate in water, and may cause blockages to the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes don’t necessarily break down quickly and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet because they don’t dissolve easily and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and will not break down so easily, resulting in possible clogs in your plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Should I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, which is why it’s important to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated location for disposal.
If you’re dealing with blockage of your drain, don’t delay in calling our professional plumbing solutions via Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We can help you unblock blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure your home is not impacted by plumbing issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- Secure the services of the best plumber for your blocked drain crisis
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- Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
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- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
