7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical household fixture that we all use daily. It’s easy to take its convenience as a given, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain things that should not ever be flushed away down the drain because they could cause blockage within the drainage system or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things down the toilet as they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items that you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Cleaning any of these items can result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines in your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Local Sydney Blocked Drains offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
Seven household objects that you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Throw them away in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Oil and grease must be put in a container, and then disposed of in the garbage bin, as they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them could cause troubles later on if they mix with other things and cause a blockage.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications through the toilet, as they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be strong and durable, meaning it won’t fall apart in water, causing possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave, which means they are less likely to break down quickly when wet, meaning they can easily blockage.
In the end, flushing any of these seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes in your plumbing system that will result in a significant cost to you. Be aware of the things 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t disintegrate easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the drain because they don’t dissolve well and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and do not break down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging in the plumbing system.
What about medication? Should I flush them through the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. It’s essential to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking these to designated drop-off location.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain Do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing services for assistance at Local Sydney Blocked Drains . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home is free of drain issues. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- Blockage of Drains: Plumber Tips and Solutions
- Avoid Drain Blockages: Tips to Steer Clear of These 5 Common Triggers
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Examining and Confirming a Blocked Drain: Measures to Take
- Clearing Blockages Made Easy: Why You Should Consider Blocked Drain Jetting
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Are Vital for Efficient Drainage Systems
- 5 Ways to Keep Your Drains Clear and Running Smoothly
- Top Plumbing Services to Keep Your Pipes Running Smoothly
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
