7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard fixture in the home that we regularly use. We tend to think of its utility for granted, however it’s vital to remember that it’s no garbage can. Certain things shouldn’t go down the toilet as they can cause blockage within the drainage system or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items into the toilet because they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Meds
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this can result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines in your home’s plumbing system. This can result in unimaginable expense to you.
- Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
There are 7 household things that should not be flushed down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper, and they can block pipes. Put them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil must be removed from a container, then thrown in the trash, as they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them can cause trouble later on when they mix with other things to form a nasty clog.
5. Medications
The flushing of medications should not occur into the toilet as they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be sturdy so it won’t break apart when wet, which can lead to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave that helps them to break down quickly when wet, which means they won’t easily cause blockages.
If you flush any of the seven items can lead to blocked drains and damaged pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, that will result in a significant price to you. Be aware of the things 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. |
FAQ
Does flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t break down in water and could cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t necessarily break down quickly and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet because they don’t dissolve easily and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and do not break down as easily, leading to possible clogs in the plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Can I flush those in the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, which is why it’s essential to dispose of them correctly by taking them to a designated place for drop-off.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain do not hesitate to call our professional plumbing solutions at Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains . We provide unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure that your home remains free from drainage problems. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
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