7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous fixture in the home that we use daily. There’s a tendency to accept its use for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that should not ever be flushed away down the toilet because they can cause obstruction within the drainage system or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things in the toilet, as they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
Here are seven household items you should never flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful however they don’t break down like toilet paper and can clog water lines. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Toilet paper that contains condoms could cause blockages in both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil must be put in a container before throwing it away in the trash, because they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to trouble later on when they combine with other items and cause a obstruction.
5. Medicines
The flushing of medications should not occur through the toilet, as they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be strong so it won’t split in water, causing potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper Paper towels have a thicker weave that will make them less likely to break down quickly when they are wet. This means that they will not easily blockage.
In conclusion, flushing one of these seven things can lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system which will incur a huge expense to you. Be mindful of what you flush 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
Does flushing feminine hygiene products cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and could block your pipes or sewer system.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes don’t disintegrate easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the drain since they are not able to dissolve easily and can cause obstructions.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down as easily, leading to potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What about medications? Can I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, so it’s vital to dispose the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing them to a designated location for disposal.
If you’re dealing with a blocked drain Don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing service by calling Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home is not impacted by drain issues. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- End Blocked Drains Immediately: Professional Tips to Try Today
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- 10 Tricks for Keeping Your Drains Blockage-Free
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- Letting You See What's Hiding Beneath Your Prospective Property: The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection
- Everything You Need to Know About Unblocking Drains and Avoiding Plumbing Problems
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- The Pros and Cons of DIY Drain Cleaning vs. Hiring a Professional
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
