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 convenience for granted, however it’s vital to remember that it’s no garbage can. Certain things should not go down the toilet because they could cause blockage from the pipes or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things into the toilet because they can 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 grease
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Meds
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Local Sydney Blocked Drains offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
Seven household objects you shouldn’t flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper. They can also clog your plumbing system. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both your plumbing system and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil should be removed from a container and thrown away in the trash, as they’ll get hard and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause trouble later on when they are combined with other items to form a nasty clog.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications down the toilet because they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be strong so it won’t fall apart in water, causing potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, Paper towels have a thicker weave which will make them less likely to break down quickly when wet, meaning they can quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which will incur a huge expense to the homeowner. Be mindful of what you send 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. |
FAQ
Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? really damage my pipes?
Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t disintegrate in water, and could cause blockages in the sewer or your pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the drain as they do not dissolve quickly and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and aren’t broken down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging in the plumbing system.
What about medication? Do I have to flush them through the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. It’s vital to dispose them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated location for disposal.
If you’re faced with the problem of a blocked drain, don’t hesitate to contact our professional plumbing service for assistance at Local Sydney Blocked Drains . We offer unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to make sure your home is not impacted by issues with drainage. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Examining and Confirming a Blocked Drain: Measures to Take
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Why Condo Complexes are Switching to Trenchless Pipe Relining Methods
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Blockage of Drains: Plumber Tips and Solutions
- Why CCTV Drain Inspections Are Vital for Efficient Drainage Systems
- Discover the Best Pipe Relining Materials for Your Plumbing Needs
- Unclogging Your Pipe: Top-notch Drainage Solutions
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
