7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common home appliance that we utilize every day. There’s a tendency to accept the convenience of it as a given, but it’s vital to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that should never be flushed down the drain because they could cause blockage inside the sewer or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items down the toilet as they could block the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Female hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unforetold cost to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
There are 7 household things you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper, and they can block your plumbing system. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both your plumbing system and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil must be disposed of in a container and thrown away in the garbage bin, as they will harden and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are often marketed by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause problems later when they combine with other items and cause a obstruction.
5. Medicines
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 sturdy that means it will not fall apart when wet, which can lead to possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave that means they are less likely to deteriorate quickly once they’re wet. They can easily blockage.
If you flush any of these items could result in blocked drains or damaged pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, 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. |
Common Questions and Answers
Does flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not break down in water and may cause blockages to the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not necessarily break down quickly and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed into the toilet since they are not able to dissolve easily and can cause obstructions.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they don’t break down as easily, leading to possible clogs in the plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Do I have to flush them into the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways. Therefore, it’s crucial to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated place for drop-off.
If you are dealing with blockage of your drain do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing services by calling Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We offer unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home is free of issues with drainage. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- Plumbers' Recommended Picks for Unclogging Pipes: A Comprehensive Handbook
- Discover Why Blocked Drain Jetting is the Only Solution You Need
- Your Ultimate Guide to Clearing and Unblocking Clogged Drains with Ease
- Measures to Spot & Confirm a Blocked Drain
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Best Solution You Need
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- When to Call a Professional for Blocked Drains: A Guide
- Everything You Need to Know About Unblocking Drains and Avoiding Plumbing Problems
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
