7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common fixture in our homes that we regularly use. We tend to think of the convenience of it for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that shouldn’t to be flushed into the toilet because they could cause blockage from the pipes or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items in the toilet, as they could block the drain or the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
- 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 can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unforetold cost to you.
- Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
Seven household objects you shouldn’t flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient, but they do not break down like toilet paper. They can also clog your plumbing system. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can lead to blockages in both the plumbing in your home and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil should be removed from the container before throwing it away in the garbage, since they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are often advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to issues later on when they combine with other items to cause a terrible blockage.
5. Medications
Medicines should not be flushed in the toilet since they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be tough, which means it won’t be able to break when wet, which can lead to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, Paper towels have a thicker weave that means they are less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, meaning they can quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which will incur a huge 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. |
FAQs
Does flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not disintegrate in water, and could block your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes truly flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes don’t necessarily break down quickly and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet since they are not able to dissolve easily and can cause obstructions.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging in your plumbing system.
What about medications? Can I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways. It’s crucial to dispose of the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing the containers to an appropriate place for drop-off.
If you find yourself dealing with blockage of your drain do not delay in calling our professional plumbing service via Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We can help you unblock blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure your home remains free from issues with drainage. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
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- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Easy Methods to Fix a Blocked Pipe: Tips and Tricks
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- From A to Z Tips for Cleaning Your Drains and Maintaining a Clog-Free Home
- From Clearing Clutter to Securing Access Points: The Preparations You Need for a Successful CCTV Drain Inspection
- Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
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