7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous home appliance that we are using every day. The temptation is to consider the convenience of it for granted, however it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a garbage can. There are certain items that should not be flushed 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 harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items that you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes within your plumbing system, which will result in an unforetold cost to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
Seven household objects should not be flushed down 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. Throw them away in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can cause blockages to both the plumbing in your home and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be removed from a container, then thrown in the garbage, since they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them can cause troubles later on if they mix with other things and cause a obstruction.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications into the toilet as they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be durable so it won’t split in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave, which makes them less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are they’re wet. They can easily blockage.
In the end, flushing one of these seven things could result in blocked drains or damaged pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, which will incur a huge price to you. Be aware of the things 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 Questions
Can flushing feminine hygiene products cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t dissolve in water and could block your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes truly flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes do not disintegrate easily and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed into the toilet because they don’t dissolve easily and can cause obstructions.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they will not break down as easily, leading to possible clogs in your plumbing system.
What about medications? Do I have to flush them in the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways, so it’s important to dispose of the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing these to designated location for disposal.
If you find yourself dealing with a blocked drain Do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing services at Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We offer unblocking blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure that your home isn’t impacted by plumbing issues. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- Clean Drains, Happy Home: 10 Methods to Maintain Your Pipes Unclogged and Unobstructed
- Delving into Reasons for Clogged Drains
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Unblocking Blocked Drains: How to Choose Between DIY or Professional Services
- From A to Z Tricks for Cleaning Your Plumbing and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Easy and Safe Ways to Get Rid of a Stubborn Shower Drain Blockage
