7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

The toilet is a standard fixture in the home that we utilize every day. There’s a tendency to accept the convenience of it as something we take for granted, but it’s vital to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain things that should never to be flushed into the toilet because they could cause blockage inside the sewer or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Female hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
These are the seven items in your home should not be flushed into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient however they don’t break down like toilet paper and could clog the plumbing in your home. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can lead to blockages in both your home’s plumbing and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be removed from the container before throwing it away in the trash, as they can harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to problems later when they mix with other things to form a nasty blockage.
5. Medications
The flushing of medications should not occur in the toilet since they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be tough so it won’t fall apart in water, leading to possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave which means they are less likely to deteriorate quickly once they are wet. This means that they will not easily blockage.
In conclusion, flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains or damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which will incur a huge expense to you. Be mindful of the items you put down the drain.
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
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t break down in water and could block the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes truly flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Do I have to put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed into the toilet as they do not dissolve easily and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging in the plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Do I have to flush them through the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, which is why it’s important to dispose of them correctly by taking the containers to an appropriate place for drop-off.
If you’re faced with the problem of a blocked drain do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing services for assistance at 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 is free of issues with drainage. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Risks of Unclogging Your Drains Without Professional Help
- Defeating Stubborn Clogs with High Pressure Drain Cleaning
- Don't Ignore The Symptoms of a Blocked Drain
- Eliminate Drain Issues for Good: Stop These 5 Precursors Now
- Prevent Drain Blockages Immediately: A Homeowner's Handbook
- Troubleshooting Blocked Drains Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Choosing the Right Service Provider for Your CCTV Drain Inspection Needs
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- CCTV Drain Inspections: The Key to Preventing Clogs and Other Plumbing Issues