7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Toilets are a typical household fixture that we all utilize every day. We tend to think of its utility for granted, however it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain things that shouldn’t to be flushed into the drain since they can cause blockage inside the sewer or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- 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. This can result in unimaginable expense to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
There are 7 household things you should never flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful however, they do not break down like toilet paper and could clog pipes. You should dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can lead to blockages in both the plumbing in your home and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be put in a container, and then disposed of in the trash, as they will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Produits for female hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them can cause issues later on when they join with other products to form a nasty obstruction.
5. Medications
Medicines should not be flushed in the toilet since they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be sturdy that means it will not fall apart when wet, which can lead to possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave, which makes them less likely to degrade quickly after being wet, which means they won’t quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes in your plumbing system which will incur a huge cost to you. Be mindful of the items 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. |
Common Questions and Answers
Does flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and may cause blockages to your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not necessarily break down quickly and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Can I flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet because they don’t dissolve easily and can cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they do not break down so easily, resulting in possible clogs in the plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Can I flush those through the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways. It’s important to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking these to designated location for disposal.
If you are dealing with an unblocking drain do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing solutions via Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We provide unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure that your home is free of drain issues. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
- Your Ultimate Guide to Clearing and Unblocking Clogged Drains with Ease
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
- CCTV Drain Inspections: A faster, Accurate and Effective Means of Identifying Root Issues in Drains
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- Get Rid of Blocked Drains with These Useful Solutions
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Easy Measures to Find & Identify a Blocked Pipe