7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous household fixture that we all are using every day. The temptation is to consider its convenience for granted, but it’s important to remember that it’s no garbage can. There are some things that shouldn’t be flushed down the drain since they can cause blockage from the pipes or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things in the toilet, as they could cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t to 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 could result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system, which will result in unimaginable expense to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
Here are seven household items that you should never flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient however they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and could clog water lines. Put them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both the plumbing in your home and wastewater treatment plants.
3. cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be removed from the container, and then disposed of in the garbage, since they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause problems later when they combine with other items to create a nasty blockage.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications through the toilet, as they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be durable that means it will not be able to break in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper Paper towels have a thicker weave that will make them less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, meaning they can easily cause blockages.
If you flush any of these items will eventually lead to blocked drains and damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unforetold expense 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
Does flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not dissolve in water and can cause blockages in the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and can cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed into the toilet since they are not able to dissolve easily and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down with the same ease, resulting in potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What about medications? Should I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, so it’s essential to dispose of them properly by taking your medications to the designated place for drop-off.
If you are dealing with blockage of your drain, don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing solutions via Perth Blocked Drains Plumbing . We offer services to clear blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home remains free from drain issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections: How Often Should You Carry Them Out?
- What to Know about Pipe Relining Services for Blocked Drains
- Why Pipe Relining is a Cost-Effective Solution for your Business’ Plumbing Issues?
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Powerful Guidance for Clearing a Blocked Drain
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
- Effective Ways to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain Naturally
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
- High Pressure Drain Cleaning: The Best Solution You Need
