7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical household fixture that we all are using every day. The temptation is to consider its utility for granted, however it’s crucial to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are certain things that shouldn’t ever be flushed away down the toilet because they can cause obstruction inside the sewer or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things in the bathroom because they can cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items you should never to 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)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes within your 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 services.
These are the seven items in your home that should not be flushed into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however, they do not dissolve like toilet paper, and they can block pipes. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can cause blockages to both your plumbing system and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be put in a container before throwing it away in the trash, as they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause trouble later on when they mix with other things to create a nasty blockage.
5. Medications
Medications should never be flushed into the toilet as they could pollute our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be tough, which means it won’t be able to break in water, causing the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, Paper towels have a thicker weave that makes them less likely to degrade quickly after being wet, which means they won’t quickly cause blockages.
In conclusion, flushing any of these seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipes in your plumbing system which comes at an unforetold cost to you. Be aware of the things 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
Can flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes don’t disintegrate easily and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Do I have to use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed into the toilet as they do not dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and will not break down as quickly, causing potential clogs in the plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Can I flush them into the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, which is why it’s vital to dispose them in a safe manner by taking these to designated location for disposal.
If you are dealing with an unblocking drain do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing services via Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to make sure your home isn’t impacted by plumbing issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Unblock Your Pipes Effortlessly: A Do-It-Yourself Guide
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- Get Rid of Blocked Drains with These Useful Solutions
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Why You Need CCTV Drain Inspection Services