7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous fixture in the home that we utilize every day. There’s a tendency to accept its use for granted, however it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a trash can. There are certain things that shouldn’t go down the drain since they can cause blockage within the drainage system or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things down the toilet as they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items can result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in unimaginable expense to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
Here are seven household items should not be flushed down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful but they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and could clog pipes. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can cause blockages to both your plumbing system and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be removed from the container before throwing it away in the garbage, since they’ll harden, causing obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause problems later when they join with other products and cause a blockage.
5. Medicines
The flushing of medications should not occur into the toilet as they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be sturdy and durable, meaning it won’t fall apart in water, causing possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper Paper towels have a thicker weave which means they are less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, which means they won’t easily blockage.
In conclusion, flushing one of these seven things can lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which can result in an unexpected cost 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. |
FAQ
Does flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not disintegrate in water, and could block your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed down the drain since they are not able to 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 do not break down as quickly, causing potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What about medication? Should I flush them in the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, so it’s crucial to dispose of them correctly by taking your medications to the designated place for drop-off.
If you’re faced with an unblocking drain Do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing services by calling Sydney Blocked Drain Plumbing . We offer services to clear blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home remains free from plumbing issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- Fix Your Pipe with These Easy Methods: Tips and Tricks
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Secure the services of the best plumber for your blocked drain crisis
- Plumbing Tips to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- Welcome to clear drains with these powerful remedies
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Discover the Best Pipe Relining Materials for Your Plumbing Needs
