7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous household fixture that we all are using every day. There’s a tendency to accept its use for granted, however it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a trash can. There are certain items that shouldn’t be flushed down the drain because they could cause blockage within the drainage system or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items in the toilet, as they could cause blockages in the drain, or cause the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes within your plumbing system which comes at an unimaginable cost to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
Seven household objects should not be flushed down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however, they do not dissolve like toilet paper. They can also clog pipes. Throw them away in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can lead to blockages in both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be removed from a container and thrown away in the trash, because they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to issues later on when they mix with other things to form a nasty blockage.
5. Medications
Medications should never be flushed in the toilet since they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be tough and durable, meaning it won’t be able to break in water, leading to potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave that will make them less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, which means they won’t quickly cause blockages.
In the end, flushing any of these items will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes in your plumbing system that will result in a significant cost to you. Stay mindful of what 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. |
FAQs
Can flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t break down in water and can cause blockages in the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes do not disintegrate easily and may 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 could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and will not break down as easily, leading to potential clogs in the plumbing system.
What about medications? Can I flush those down the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, so it’s essential to dispose of the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing these to designated place for drop-off.
If you find yourself dealing with the problem of a blocked drain Don’t delay in calling our professional plumbing service via Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We provide unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home is not impacted by plumbing issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- Seeking a plumber to solve your backed up drain issue? Here's how
- Clean Your Clogged Shower Drain the Green Way without Chemicals
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Bid Farewell to Blocked Pipes: Straightforward Hacks to Follow
- The Benefits of Unblocking Blocked Drains for Your Business
- Don�t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
