7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical fixture in our homes that we use daily. There’s a tendency to accept its convenience as a given, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a garbage can. Certain things should never be flushed down the toilet as they can cause blockage within the drainage system or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items in the toilet, as they could block the drain or the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Feminine 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 pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system which comes at an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
Here are seven household items you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient, but they do not break down as easily as toilet paper and can clog the plumbing in your home. Dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can lead to blockages in the plumbing of your home as well as the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Oil and grease must be disposed of in a container and thrown away in the trash, because they will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Produits for female hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to issues later on when they join with other products to cause a terrible blockage.
5. Medicines
The flushing of medications should not occur down the toilet because they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be sturdy and durable, meaning it won’t be able to break when wet, which can lead to potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave, which makes them less likely to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.
If you flush one of these seven things could result in blocked drains and damaged pipes in your plumbing system which comes at an unforetold cost to you. 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
Does flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t disintegrate in water, and could block your sewer or pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes do not really break down and may 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 because they don’t dissolve easily and can cause blockages.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down as easily, leading to potential clogs in the plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Should I flush them into the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, so it’s important to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking the containers to an appropriate place for drop-off.
If you find yourself dealing with blockage of your drain do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing assistance by calling Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We provide unblocking blocked drains, drain 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.
Additional Information
- Save Money with These Simple Drain Maintenance Techniques
- What to Know about Pipe Relining Services for Blocked Drains
- Effective Ways to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain Naturally
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Measures to Spot & Confirm a Blocked Drain
- Methods to Unblock a Bathroom Drain: The Step-by-Step Solution Necessary
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumbing Solutions and Tips
