7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Local Sydney Blocked Drains on 3 Oct 2024

The toilet is a ubiquitous home appliance that we regularly use. There’s a tendency to accept its convenience as something we take for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. Certain things should not ever be flushed away down the drain as they can cause blockage in the drain or damage in sewer lines.

Key Takeaways

  • Avoid flushing certain things down the toilet as they could cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
  • Seven household items that you shouldn’t flush down the toilet are:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
    • Female hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
    • Medicines
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • The act of flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes within your plumbing system which comes at unimaginable expense to you.
  • Local Sydney Blocked Drains offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.

Here are seven household items that you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes are a convenient option but they don’t break down like toilet paper and can clog water lines. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.

2. Condoms

Flushing condoms down the toilet can lead to blockages in both your home’s plumbing and the wastewater treatment plant.

3. cooking grease and oil

Grease and oil must be put in a container and thrown away in the garbage bin, as they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.

4. Produits for female hygiene

Tampons and sanitary pads are often marketed as "flushable, " but flushing them can cause trouble later on when they are combined with other items to form a nasty obstruction.

5. Medications

The flushing of medications should not occur down the toilet because they could contaminate water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is made to be sturdy so it won’t break apart when wet, which can lead to possible blockages in your pipes.

7. Paper towels

Contrary to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave that means they are less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, meaning they can easily cause blockages.

In conclusion, flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blocked drains and damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system which will incur a huge cost to the homeowner. 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.

Common Questions & Answers

Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? really damage my pipes?

Yes. Female hygiene products don’t disintegrate in water, and can cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.

Are flushable wipes really flushable?

There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and could cause clogs to your pipes.

Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?

No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the drain since they are not able to dissolve easily and can cause blockages.

Are paper towels suitable to flush?

No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they don’t break down as easily, leading to the possibility of clogging the plumbing system.

What happens to medications? Can I flush those in the toilet?

No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways. It’s important to dispose of them correctly by taking them to a designated drop-off location.

If you’re dealing with an unblocking drain Do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing services for assistance at Local Sydney Blocked Drains . We provide unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure that your home remains free from drain issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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