7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard household fixture that we all regularly use. The temptation is to consider its utility for granted, however it’s crucial to remember that it’s not a trash can. There are certain things that shouldn’t ever be flushed away down the drain since they can cause blockage from the pipes or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the toilet, as they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items you should never to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines within your home’s plumbing system, which will result in unimaginable expense to you.
- Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
Here are seven household items you should never flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient however they don’t break down as easily as toilet paper. They can also clog your plumbing system. Put them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of the plumbing of your home as well as the wastewater treatment plant.
3. cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease should be disposed of in a container, and then disposed of in the trash, as they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically marketed as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause issues later on when they are combined with other items to form a nasty obstruction.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications through the toilet, as they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be sturdy so it won’t fall apart in water, causing the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper papers have a stronger weave which helps them to deteriorate quickly once wet, which means they won’t easily blockage.
The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which will incur a huge expense to the homeowner. Stay mindful of what 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. |
FAQ
Does flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not break down in water and may cause blockages to your sewer pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes do not really break down and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Do I have to flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed into the toilet as they do not dissolve quickly and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they will not break down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging in your plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush those through the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways, which is why it’s important to dispose of them correctly by taking your medications to the designated drop-off point.
If you’re faced with an unblocking drain Do not delay in calling our professional plumbing assistance at Sydney Plumber Blocked Drains . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure that your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
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