7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous fixture in the home that we are using every day. We tend to think of its utility as a given, but it’s vital to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are some things that should not go down the toilet since they can cause blockage in the drain or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things into the toilet because they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items that you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Meds
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items could result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
Seven household objects that should not be flushed into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. They can also clog your plumbing system. Throw them away in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be removed from the container before throwing it away in the trash, because they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Produits for female hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause trouble later on when they join with other products and cause a clog.
5. Medicines
Medicines should not be flushed down the toilet because they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be durable that means it will not fall apart in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave which makes them less likely to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items can lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system which will incur a huge cost 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 Question
Does flushing feminine hygiene products cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not disintegrate in water, and can cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet since they won’t dissolve easily and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they do not break down as easily, leading to possible clogs in your plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush those in the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways. It’s essential to dispose of them properly by taking your medications to the designated drop-off location.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain, don’t hesitate to contact our professional plumbing assistance by calling Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We provide unblocking blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure your home is free of plumbing issues. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
- The Fastest and Most Effective Solution: Blocked Drain Way to a Clearer System
- Why You Need CCTV Drain Inspection Services
- The Most Complete Guide to Clearing Clogged Drains: What Plumbers Utilize
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- A Guide to Locating and Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- From A to Z Tricks for Cleaning Your Plumbing and Maintaining a Clog-Free House
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
