7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common home appliance that we utilize every day. It’s easy to take the convenience of it for granted, however it’s important to remember that it’s not a trash can. Certain things should never to be flushed into the drain as they can cause blockage inside the sewer or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes within your plumbing system, which will result in an unforetold cost to you.
- Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
Here are seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient but they don’t break down as easily as toilet paper and could clog water lines. Dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can cause blockages to both the plumbing in your home and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be removed from a container, then thrown in the trash, as they can harden and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them could cause issues later on when they join with other products and cause a blockage.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications in the toilet since they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be strong so it won’t fall apart in water, causing potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave, which makes them less likely to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains and damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system that will result in a significant cost to you. Be 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. Feminine hygiene products do not dissolve in water and may cause blockages to your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes truly flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes do not disintegrate easily and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Do I have to flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed into the toilet since they are not able to dissolve easily and can cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and don’t break down with the same ease, resulting in the possibility of clogging in your plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Do I have to flush them in the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways. It’s vital to dispose them correctly by taking them to a designated location for disposal.
If you are dealing with a blocked drain do not hesitate to call our professional plumbing services by calling Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains . We provide unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
- Don't Allow Clogged Drains Ruins Your Day: Hacks to Try Out
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Experience these proven remedies for unclogging your drain
- Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning: Effective Tips for Avoiding Clogs in Your House
- What You Need to Know About Blocked Drains and How to Resolve Them
- DIY Designed Simple: Easily Clear Your Clogged Drains
- Keep Your Home Safe by Hiring a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
- Save Future Expenses with CCTV Drain Inspection for Home Buyers
