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 use for granted, however it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a trash can. Certain things shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet because they can cause obstruction within the drainage system or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the toilet, as they could block the drain or the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this could result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines in 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 that you should never flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful, but they do not dissolve like toilet paper, and they can block your plumbing system. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can cause blockages to both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment plants.
3. cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be disposed of in a container and thrown away in the trash, because they’ll get hard and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Produits for female hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them could cause trouble later on when they are combined with other items and cause a clog.
5. Medications
The flushing of medications should not occur down the toilet because they could pollute our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be strong that means it will not split when wet, which can lead to the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave that means they are less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, which means they won’t easily blockage.
The bottom line is that flushing one of these seven things will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system which will incur a huge cost to the homeowner. Stay mindful of what 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
Does flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t disintegrate in water, and can cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t disintegrate easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed into the toilet as they do not dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and don’t break down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging the plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Can I flush them into the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways. Therefore, it’s crucial to dispose of them properly by taking these to designated location for disposal.
If you’re faced with an unblocking drain, don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing services via Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We offer services to clear blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure that your home is free of drainage problems. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Reducing the Risks of Drainage Problems: How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Help
- Effective Ways to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain Naturally
- Discover the Best Pipe Relining Materials for Your Plumbing Needs
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Catching Drain Issues Early: The Benefits of Scheduling Regular Inspections for Your Business
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies