7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard household fixture that we all are using every day. We tend to think of its use for granted, however it’s important to remember that it’s no garbage can. There are some things that should not go down the drain since they can cause blockage in the drain or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items in the toilet, as they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines within your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an unforetold cost to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
These are the seven items in your home you should never flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and could clog water lines. Put them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can lead to blockages in the plumbing of your home as well as wastewater treatment plants.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil should be disposed of in a container, then thrown in the garbage, since they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Produits for female hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause troubles later on if they are combined with other items and cause a clog.
5. Medications
The flushing of medications should not occur through the toilet, as they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be strong, which means it won’t be able to break when wet, which can lead to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave, which helps them to break down quickly when they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items can lead to blocked drains or damaged pipelines in your plumbing system which will incur a huge expense 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 and Answers
Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? really damage my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not break down in water and could cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Can I use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed down the drain since they are not able to dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they do not break down as easily, leading to potential clogs in the plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush them in the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, which is why it’s crucial to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated drop-off location.
If you are dealing with an unblocking drain, don’t hesitate to contact our professional plumbing service by calling Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbers . We offer services to clear blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home is free of plumbing issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Mastering Plumbing Remedies for Persistent Clogged Pipes
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- Examining Root Sources of Drain Clogs
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- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- The Science of Unblock: Unveil How Blocked Drain Jetting Works
- DIY Hacks: Your Quick Guide to Clearing Blocked Drains
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
