7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common household fixture that we all are using every day. It’s easy to take its convenience as something we take for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s no garbage can. There are certain items that should never be flushed down the drain since they can cause blockage within the drainage system or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items in the bathroom because they can cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Local Blocked Drains Sydney 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 can be convenient however, they do not break down as easily as toilet paper. They can also clog water lines. Throw them away in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can cause blockages to the plumbing of your home as well as wastewater treatment plants.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil must be put in a container before throwing it away in the garbage, since they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them could cause problems later when they are combined with other items to create a nasty obstruction.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications in the toilet since they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be tough so it won’t break apart in water, causing possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave that will make them less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, which means they won’t quickly cause blockages.
In the end, flushing any of these seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes in your plumbing system that will result in a significant price to you. Be mindful of what you flush 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 cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t break down in water and can cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Can I wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed down the toilet since they are not able to dissolve well and can cause obstructions.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down as easily, leading to possible clogs in your plumbing system.
What about medications? Should I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, so it’s crucial to dispose of them correctly by taking them to a designated drop-off location.
If you find yourself dealing with an unblocking drain, don’t hesitate to contact our professional plumbing assistance at Local Blocked Drains Sydney . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home remains free from drainage problems. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Choosing the Right Service Provider for Your CCTV Drain Inspection Needs
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Blockage of Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Don't Let Blocked Pipes Ruin Your Routine: Effective Plumbing Remedies
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Why You Should Choose CCTV Drain Inspection to Identify Root Infiltration in Your Plumbing System
- The DIY Guide: Clear Your Clogged Drains in No Time Flat
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Ultimate Solution Ever
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
