7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common fixture in the home that we are using every day. It’s easy to take its use as a given, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are certain items that shouldn’t be flushed down the drain as they can cause blockage inside the sewer or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items into the toilet because they can cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Female hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
These are the seven items in your home you shouldn’t flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and could clog water lines. Throw them away in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can result in blockages of both the plumbing in your home and wastewater treatment plants.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease should be disposed of in a container and thrown away in the trash, as they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them could cause issues later on when they mix with other things and cause a obstruction.
5. Medications
Medications should never be flushed through the toilet, as they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be sturdy so it won’t be able to break in water, causing possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave, which helps them to break down quickly when they are wet. This means that they will not easily blockage.
The bottom line is that flushing one of these seven things could result in blocked drains or damaged pipelines in your plumbing system which can result in an unexpected expense to you. Be aware of the things you put down the drain.
| 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
Does flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not dissolve in water and may cause blockages to your sewer pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed down the drain since they won’t dissolve easily and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging in your plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, which is why it’s essential to dispose of them correctly by taking these to designated drop-off point.
If you’re dealing with an unblocking drain Don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing solutions by calling Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We offer services to clear blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Learn How to Effortlessly Unclog Your Clogged Drains with the Do-It-Yourself Guide
- CCTV Drain Inspection: The Key to Resolving Blocked Drains Quickly
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Solutions and Tips
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- A Complete Handbook to Finding and Diagnosing Congested Drains
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- Locate the most reliable plumber for your backed up drain issue
