7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous household fixture that we all use daily. We tend to think of its use as a given, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s no garbage can. There are certain items that should not ever be flushed away down the toilet as they can cause blockage from the pipes or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things into the toilet because they could block the drain or the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items could result in blockages in drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system. This will come at unimaginable expense to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
Here are seven household items that you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however, they do not dissolve like toilet paper and could clog your plumbing system. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment plants.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil must be removed from a container before throwing it away in the trash, because they can harden and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause issues later on when they combine with other items to form a nasty obstruction.
5. Medications
Medicines should not be flushed down the toilet because they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be durable that means it will not break apart in water, leading to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave that makes them less likely to break down quickly when they are wet. This means that they will not easily blockage.
If you flush any of these seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unforetold price to the homeowner. Stay mindful of what you flush 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. |
FAQs
Can flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and could block your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t really break down 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 quickly and could cause blockages.
Do paper towels need to be used to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they will not break down as quickly, causing potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Can I flush those down the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways. Therefore, it’s important to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking them to a designated drop-off location.
If you are dealing with the problem of a blocked drain do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing service via Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We provide unblocking blocked drains as well as drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure your home remains free from plumbing issues. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- How to Choose between Different Types of Pipe Relining Materials (And Which One Is Right for You)
- CCTV Drain Inspection: Find Out How it Helps Pinpoint Root Infiltration in Your Pipes
- Why You Need CCTV Drain Inspection Services
- Tips to Understand When it's Time to Pick Up the Phone for Professional Drain Cleaning
- DIY Plumber - An Easy Guide to Unclog Your Shower Drain
- Blockage of Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- Investigating the Primary Causes of Drain Blockages
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Pipes: Effective Drainage Remedies
- The Ultimate Checklist for a Smooth-flowing CCTV Drain Inspection Experience
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspections in Preventing Expensive Property Damage
