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 for granted, however it’s important to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are some things that shouldn’t to be flushed into the drain since they can cause blockage in the drain or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things down the toilet as they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
Here are seven household items that should not be flushed in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however they don’t break down as easily as toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both your plumbing system and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil must be removed from the container, then thrown in the garbage bin, as they will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically marketed as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause troubles later on if they combine with other items to cause a terrible blockage.
5. Medications
Medications should never be flushed into the toilet as they could pollute our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be tough that means it will not fall apart in water, causing possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave that will make them less likely to break down quickly when they are wet. This means that they will not quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these seven items can lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipes 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 Question
Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? really damage my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not dissolve in water and may cause blockages to your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes do not really break down and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed into 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 with the same ease, resulting in possible clogs in the plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Do I have to flush them down the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, which is why it’s essential to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking them to a designated place for drop-off.
If you find yourself dealing with a blocked drain Don’t be afraid to contact our professional plumbing services by calling Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We offer services to clear blocked drains drainage 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
- DIY Drain Cleaning: A Comprehensive Guide on Handling Common Blockages
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Clearing Pipes Made Easy: An In-Depth Handbook for Plumbers
- A Complete Handbook to Finding and Diagnosing Congested Drains
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Catching Drain Issues Early: The Benefits of Scheduling Regular Inspections for Your Business
- Keep Your Drains Clear: A Decade of Tips to Prevent Clogs at Home
- Exploring the Factors that Result in Blocked Drains
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
