7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains on 6 Sep 2024

Toilets are a typical household fixture that we all use daily. The temptation is to consider its convenience as a given, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s not a garbage can. Certain things should never ever be flushed away down the drain because they could cause blockage from the pipes or damage for sewer drains.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not flush certain things down the toilet as they can cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
  • Seven household items that you shouldn’t flush down the toilet are:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Cooking grease and oil
    • Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
    • Medical Treatment
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • Doing this could result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
  • Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.

Here are seven household items you should never flush in the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes might seem useful however, they do not dissolve like toilet paper and can clog water lines. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.

2. Condoms

Dissolving condoms in the toilet can cause blockages to the plumbing of your home as well as the wastewater treatment plant.

3. Cooking grease and oil

Grease and oil must be disposed of in a container, and then disposed of in the trash, as they will harden and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.

4. Female hygiene products

Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them can cause trouble later on when they combine with other items to form a nasty blockage.

5. Medications

Medications should never be flushed in the toilet since they could pollute our water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is made to be tough so it won’t break apart 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 which makes them less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, meaning they can quickly cause blockages.

The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which comes at an unforetold 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.

Frequently Asked Question

Can flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?

Yes. Female hygiene products don’t disintegrate in water, and can cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.

Are flushable wipes actually flushable?

Many "flushable" wipes don’t necessarily break down quickly and may 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 as they do not dissolve well and can cause obstructions.

Are paper towels okay to flush?

No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and aren’t broken down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging the plumbing system.

What are the implications of medications? Do I have to flush them down the toilet?

No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. It’s vital to dispose them properly by taking them to a designated drop-off location.

If you’re faced with a blocked drain, don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing services at Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains . We offer unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to make sure your home isn’t impacted by drain issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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