7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous fixture in the home that we utilize every day. We tend to think of its convenience as something we take for granted, but it’s important to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that shouldn’t to be flushed into the drain as they can cause blockage inside the sewer or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things down the toilet as they can cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Cleaning any of these items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
There are 7 household things you should never flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper. They can also clog your plumbing system. Throw them away in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be removed from the container, and then disposed of in the trash, as they’ll get hard and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Produits for female hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause trouble later on when they mix with other things and cause a clog.
5. Medications
Medications should never be flushed down the toilet because they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be strong so it won’t split in water, causing the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, paper towels have a thicker weave, which means they are less likely to deteriorate quickly once they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.
In conclusion, flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which will incur a huge expense to the homeowner. Be mindful of what you send 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
Can flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet because they don’t dissolve quickly and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and will not break down as easily, leading to potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Can I flush those in the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways. It’s important to dispose of them properly by taking your medications to the designated drop-off location.
If you’re dealing with the problem of a blocked drain Do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing services by calling Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer unblocking blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure that your home isn’t impacted by issues with drainage. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- Preventing Leaks and Blockages: Understanding Pipe Relining Services
- CCTV Drain Inspection Technology: Detecting Corrosion in Sewer Pipes
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- The Ultimate Guide to Unclogging Your Drain Without Professional Help
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Conquering Stubborn Clogs with High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- Get Rid of Blocked Drains with These Useful Solutions
- Discover Why Jetting is the Best Solution for Your Blocked Drain Woes
