7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous home appliance that we regularly use. It’s easy to take 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 should never be flushed down the toilet because they could cause blockage in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items in the toilet, as they could block the drain, or cause harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines in your home’s plumbing system. This will come at an unimaginable cost to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
There are 7 household things you should never flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however they don’t break down as easily as toilet paper and could clog your plumbing system. You should dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Toilet paper that contains condoms could cause blockages in both the plumbing in your home and wastewater treatment plants.
3. cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be disposed of in a container and thrown away in the garbage bin, as they’ll get hard and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause trouble later on when they combine with other items and cause a clog.
5. Medicines
Medicines should not be flushed in the toilet since they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be strong that means it will not be able to break in water, leading to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper papers have a stronger weave which means they are less likely to break down quickly when they are wet. This means that they will not easily cause blockages.
In the end, flushing one of these seven things can lead to blocked drains and damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unforetold cost to the homeowner. Stay 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
Can flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t disintegrate in water, and can cause blockages in the sewer or your pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the drain since they are not able to dissolve well and can cause obstructions.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and aren’t broken down as easily, leading to possible clogs in your plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Can I flush those into the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways. Therefore, it’s crucial to dispose of them properly by taking these to designated location for disposal.
If you’re faced with a blocked drain Do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing service via Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers . We can help you unblock blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to make sure your home isn’t impacted by plumbing issues. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
- From Clogged to Clear: A Comprehensive Tutorial to Fix Your Shower Drain
- Eliminate Drain Issues for Good: Stop These 5 Precursors Now
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
- Start with Clean Plumbing for a Pristine Home: Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Plumbing
- A Comprehensive Overview of CCTV Drain Inspection for Your Home
- Identifying the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
- Don't Ignore The Symptoms of a Blocked Drain
