7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical fixture in our homes that we use daily. It’s easy to take the convenience of it as a given, but it’s important to remember that it’s no garbage can. There are certain items that shouldn’t ever be flushed away down the toilet because they can cause obstruction in the drain or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things down the toilet as they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items can result in blockages in drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system, which will result in an unforetold cost to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
Here are seven household items should not be flushed down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient but they don’t break down like toilet paper, and they can block pipes. Dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can lead to blockages in both the plumbing in your home and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be disposed of in a container, and then disposed of in the trash, as they can harden and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are often advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause problems later when they join with other products to form a nasty blockage.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications through the toilet, as they could pollute our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be tough and durable, meaning it won’t split in water, causing possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave, which makes them less likely to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.
In conclusion, flushing any of the seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system which will incur a huge cost to you. 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
Does flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not disintegrate in water, and can cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet since they won’t dissolve well and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and aren’t broken down so easily, resulting in potential clogs in the plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Do I have to flush them in the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. It’s important to dispose of them properly by taking the containers to an appropriate drop-off point.
If you find yourself dealing with an unblocking drain, don’t be afraid to contact our professional plumbing solutions via Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We can help you unblock blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to make sure your home is free of issues with drainage. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Measures to Spot & Confirm a Blocked Drain
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Effective Ways to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain Naturally
- Fix your blocked drain crisis with the top plumber available
- Prevent Expensive Repairs with Regular Drain Maintenance
- Plumbers' Recommended Picks for Unclogging Pipes: A Comprehensive Handbook
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
