7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common household fixture that we all use daily. We tend to think of its use for granted, however it’s important to remember that it’s not a garbage can. Certain things should never ever be flushed away down the toilet because they could cause blockage in the drain or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items into the toilet because they could block the drain, or cause damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Female hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items could result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unimaginable cost to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
These are the seven items in your home that you shouldn’t flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful but they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and could clog water lines. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can cause blockages to both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil must be put in a container, then thrown in the trash, as they’ll get hard and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to issues later on when they combine with other items to cause a terrible obstruction.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications into the toilet as they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be tough, which means it won’t be able to break when wet, which can lead to possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave, which will make them less likely to deteriorate quickly once they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing one of these seven things will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system which can result in an unexpected expense to the homeowner. Be aware of the things 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
Can flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t disintegrate in water, and could cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not disintegrate easily and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Can I use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed into the toilet since they won’t dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and will not break down as easily, leading to possible clogs in the plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Do I have to flush them in the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways. It’s vital to dispose them properly by taking these to designated drop-off location.
If you’re dealing with blockage of your drain, don’t delay in calling our professional plumbing services via Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We can help you unblock blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure your home is free of drainage problems. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- Conquering Stubborn Clogs with High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- Understanding CCTV Drain Inspection and the Benefits for Your Home
- Your Ultimate Guide to Clearing and Unblocking Clogged Drains with Ease
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- Tips and Tricks for Clearing a Blocked Pipe with Ease
- How to Prevent Your Drains from Getting Blocked
- Unblock Your Pipes Effortlessly: A Do-It-Yourself Guide
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Easy Measures to Find & Identify a Blocked Pipe
