7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common household fixture that we all regularly use. The temptation is to consider the convenience of it as something we take for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s no garbage can. There are certain items that should never to be flushed into the toilet because they could cause blockage in the drain or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things into the toilet because they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause damages to the pipes.
- 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 sanitary pads)
- Meds
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines within your home’s plumbing system, which will result in 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 shouldn’t flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful however, they do not break down as easily as toilet paper and can clog the plumbing in your home. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can cause blockages to both the plumbing in your home and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be put in a container, then thrown in the trash, because they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are often marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to issues later on when they mix with other things and cause a clog.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications through the toilet, as they could pollute our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be tough, which means it won’t break apart when wet, which can lead to the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave, which means they are less likely to break down quickly when wet, meaning they can quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing one of these seven things could result in blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unforetold price to the homeowner. Be mindful of the items 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
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed really damage my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t disintegrate in water, and can cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the drain as they do not dissolve easily and can cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they will not break down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging the plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Can I flush them in the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways, so it’s crucial to dispose of them correctly by taking the containers to an appropriate location for disposal.
If you are dealing with a blocked drain, don’t hesitate to contact our professional plumbing service at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We can help you unblock blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure that your home is not impacted by drain issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- DIY Plumbing Cleaning: Effective Tips for Avoiding Clogs in Your House
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
- The Guide to Finding & Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- Seeking a plumber to solve your backed up drain issue? Here's how
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Harnessing the Force of High Pressure Drain Cleaning
