7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

The toilet is a ubiquitous home appliance that we utilize every day. The temptation is to consider the convenience of it for granted, however it’s important to remember that it’s no garbage can. There are certain things that should never to be flushed into the drain as they can cause blockage within the drainage system or damage the sewer pipe.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items in the bathroom because they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Meds
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Cleaning any of these items will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This will come at an unimaginable cost to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
There are 7 household things you shouldn’t flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient, but they do not disintegrate like toilet paper and can clog water lines. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Flushing condoms down the toilet can result in blockages of both your plumbing system and the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil must be disposed of in a container before throwing it away in the garbage bin, as they’ll get hard and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are often advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause problems later when they mix with other things to form a nasty clog.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications down the toilet because they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be tough, which means it won’t fall apart when wet, which can lead to possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave, which makes them less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, meaning they can easily blockage.
In conclusion, flushing any of the seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which comes at an unforetold expense to you. 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not break down in water and could cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes don’t disintegrate easily and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet because they don’t dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and do not break down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.
What about medications? Can I flush those down the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways. It’s important to dispose of the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing these to designated location for disposal.
If you find yourself dealing with the problem of a blocked drain, don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing service at Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer services to clear blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure your home remains free from drainage problems. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Tips and Tricks for Unclogging a Blocked Pipe with Effortlessly
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Common Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Avoid Them
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains and Their Simple Solutions
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- DIY Plumber - An Easy Guide to Unclog Your Shower Drain
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
- Effective Ways to Clear a Clogged Shower Drain Naturally
- Is It Time for a CCTV Drain Inspection? Here's What You Need to Know