7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common household fixture that we all use daily. There’s a tendency to accept its utility for granted, however it’s important to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that should never ever be flushed away down the toilet because they can cause obstruction inside the sewer or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items in the bathroom because they could cause blockages in the drain, or cause damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this could result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines in your home’s plumbing system, which will result in unimaginable expense to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
Here are seven household items should not be flushed in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option, but they do not break down as easily as toilet paper. They can also clog the plumbing in your home. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Toilet paper that contains condoms can lead to blockages in both your plumbing system and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil must be removed from a container, and then disposed of in the trash, as they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are often advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause trouble later on when they join with other products to cause a terrible blockage.
5. Medications
Medicines should not be flushed down the toilet because they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be strong, which means it won’t be able to break when wet, which can lead to potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave that will make them less likely to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can easily blockage.
In the end, flushing any of the seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system that will result in a significant cost to the homeowner. Be mindful of the items 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
Does flushing feminine hygiene products cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not disintegrate in water, and could cause blockages in the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Can I flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the drain since they won’t dissolve well and can cause obstructions.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they do not break down as quickly, causing potential clogs in the plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Should I flush them in the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, which is why it’s important to dispose of them correctly by taking the containers to an appropriate drop-off point.
If you’re dealing with the problem of a blocked drain Don’t hesitate to contact our professional plumbing assistance via Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to make sure your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
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