7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard home appliance that we regularly use. We tend to think of its convenience as something we take for granted, but it’s important to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that should not ever be flushed away down the drain since they can cause blockage in the drain or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items down the toilet as they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you should never to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this could result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system which comes at unimaginable expense to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
There are 7 household things you should never flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful however they don’t dissolve like toilet paper, and they can block pipes. You should dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can cause blockages to both the plumbing in your home and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil must be removed from the container, and then disposed of in the garbage, since they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to problems later when they are combined with other items to cause a terrible obstruction.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications into the toilet as they could pollute our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be strong so it won’t split in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave that will make them less likely to break down quickly when wet, meaning they can easily cause blockages.
In the end, flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipes within your plumbing system which comes at an unforetold cost to the homeowner. 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. |
FAQs
Can flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not disintegrate in water, and could cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and could cause clogs to 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 won’t dissolve easily and can cause obstructions.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they do not break down as easily, leading to possible clogs in the plumbing system.
What about medications? Should I flush them in the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways, which is why it’s crucial to dispose of the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing these to designated drop-off location.
If you find yourself dealing with a blocked drain, don’t be afraid to contact our professional plumbing service for assistance at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We offer services to clear blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure that your home isn’t impacted by plumbing issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Don�t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Effective Tips and Tricks for Fixing a Blocked Drain
- The Science of Unblock: Unveil How Blocked Drain Jetting Works
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- A Quick and Easy Fix for Blocked Sinks and Showers
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- The Ultimate Guide to Prevent Drain Blockages
