7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous fixture in our homes that we utilize every day. There’s a tendency to accept its utility as a given, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are certain things that shouldn’t to be flushed into the toilet as they can cause blockage from the pipes or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items into the toilet because they could block the drain or harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items that you shouldn’t flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items could result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines in your home’s plumbing system. This will come at an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
These are the seven items in your home that should not be flushed down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient, but they do not dissolve like toilet paper, and they can block the plumbing in your home. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Toilet paper that contains condoms could cause blockages in both the plumbing in your home and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be disposed of in a container and thrown away in the garbage bin, as they’ll harden, causing obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically marketed as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause problems later when they mix with other things to cause a terrible blockage.
5. Medications
Medicines should not be flushed down the toilet because they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be strong, which means it won’t fall apart when wet, which can lead to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper papers have a stronger weave which helps them to degrade quickly after being wet, meaning they can easily blockage.
If you flush any of the seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which comes at an unforetold price to the homeowner. Be mindful of the items you pour down your 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. |
FAQ
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes do not really break down and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Can I flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed into the toilet since they are not able to dissolve well and can cause obstructions.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and aren’t broken down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.
What about medication? Should I flush them in the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. Therefore, it’s crucial to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated drop-off point.
If you’re faced with an unblocking drain Don’t be afraid to contact our professional plumbing service at Sydney Blocked Drains Plumbing . We can help you unblock blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure your home is free of drain issues. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Guide to Finding & Pinpointing a Obstructed Pipe
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- D. I.Y Drain Cleaning: The Risks and Benefits Compared to Professional Solutions
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Helps in Saving Time and Money on Plumbing Repairs?
- Seeking a plumber to solve your backed up drain issue? Here's how
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Don’t Get Caught Unprepared! What You Need to Do Before a CCTV Drain Inspection
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
