7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common home appliance that we regularly use. We tend to think of its use for granted, however it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that should never be flushed down the toilet because they could cause blockage within the drainage system or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain, or cause harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items that you should never 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)
- Meds
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Cleaning any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes within your plumbing system which comes at unimaginable expense 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 down the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper, and they can block the plumbing in your home. Put them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Toilet paper that contains condoms can cause blockages to both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil must be removed from a container, then thrown in the trash, as they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently advertised in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them could cause troubles later on if they are combined with other items and cause a blockage.
5. Medicines
Medicines should not be flushed into the toilet as they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be sturdy so it won’t split in water, causing the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, Paper towels have a thicker weave which makes them less likely to break down quickly when wet, meaning they can easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes in your plumbing system which will incur a huge expense to you. Be aware of the things you pour down your 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 and Answers
Can flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not break down in water and could block your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the drain since they won’t dissolve well and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they don’t break down with the same ease, resulting in potential clogs in the plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush those into the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. It’s important to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking the containers to an appropriate location for disposal.
If you find yourself dealing with blockage of your drain Don’t delay in calling our professional plumbing services by calling Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure your home is free of drainage problems. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Don't Panic: Tips for Handling a Blocked Toilet
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Pipes: Effective Drainage Remedies
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Tips and Tricks for Unclogging a Blocked Pipe with Effortlessly
- Require help with your backed up drain? Find the best plumber
- Say Goodbye to Messy Plumbing Repairs with Trenchless Pipe Relining
- The Most Comprehensive Handbook to Drain Clogs: Which Plumbers Use
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
