7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical household fixture that we all regularly use. There’s a tendency to accept its utility as a given, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. Certain things should never ever be flushed away down the drain since they can cause blockage inside the sewer or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This will come at 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 that you shouldn’t flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Throw them away in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of 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, and then disposed of in the garbage bin, as they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are often advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to trouble later on when they are combined with other items to form a nasty obstruction.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications down the toilet because they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be strong, which means it won’t fall apart in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave that makes them less likely to deteriorate quickly once they are wet. This means that they will not easily blockage.
The bottom line is that flushing one of these seven things could result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines in your plumbing system that will result in a significant price to the homeowner. Be mindful of the items you put down the drain.
| 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
Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not disintegrate in water, and could block your pipes or sewer system.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed into the toilet since they are not able to dissolve quickly and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they don’t break down with the same ease, resulting in potential clogs in the plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Can I flush those down the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways, so it’s crucial to dispose of them properly by taking them to a designated location for disposal.
If you’re faced with blockage of your drain Do not hesitate to call our professional plumbing assistance at Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains . We can help you unblock blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home remains free from plumbing issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- 5 Tips to Keep Your Drains Flowing
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Clear Pipes Ahead: 10 Ways to Maintain Your Home Drain System Unobstructed
- Do-It-Yourself Solutions for a Clogged Pipe: Tips and Tricks
- Simple Solutions for Clearing Out Clogged Drains at Home
- Examining and Verifying a Clogged Drain: Measures to Take
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- DIY Plumbing - A Step-by-Step Handbook to Clear Your Shower Drain
