7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Perth Blocked Drains Plumber on 2 Oct 2024

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

Our 5 Star Service Promise to You

Perth Drain Plumbing Services

Are you experiencing a clogged toilet, blocked shower drain, overflowing drains or an issue with your kitchen sink? We can help you sort out your drain blockage problem quickly and provide the following services:

  • CCTV Drain Inspections
  • Drain Clearing & Drain Cleanin
  • Drain Repairs
  • Pipe Relining
  • Blocked Stormwater Drains
  • Blocked Sewer Drains & Blocked Pipes
  • Blocked Sinks & Blocked Toilets
  • Clogged or Blocked Shower Drain

Clearing blocked drains can be difficult and it’s best to get a professional plumbing service involved to tackle it for you, To get your blocked drain in Perth cleared today, contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

8 Reasons To Hire Perth Blocked Drains Plumber

  • 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week
  • Price Up-Front, No Hidden Fees
  • Prices You Can Trust
  • Quality Workmanship Guaranteed
  • Great Reviews & Reputation
  • We’re Personable & Friendly
  • Experienced & Licenced Team
  • Get a Quote With No Obligation

We Provide 24/7 Emergency Plumbing

No one ever expects to experience a plumbing emergency, but when it does happen, you need a reliable plumbing service that can help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

At Perth Blocked Drains Plumber, we are always here for our customers, day or night, weekends or holidays. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and we are always prepared to help.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, please do not hesitate to call us. We will dispatch one of our experienced plumbers to your home or business as soon as possible.

We will work diligently to resolve the issue and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, contact us today.

Blocked Drains

Blocked Drains

Drain Inspection

Drain Inspection

Drain Cleaning

Drain Cleaning

Drain Repairs

Drain Repairs

About Us &

What We Do

When it comes to plumbing, you want to make sure you’re working with a qualified professional. At our company, we are licensed and insured professionals who are dedicated to providing quality plumbing services.

We’re here to help with all of your plumbing needs, such as blocked drains, CCTV drain inspections, drain repairs and pipe relining.

We understand that plumbing problems can be disruptive and expensive. That’s why we offer 24×7 emergency service, so you can get the help you need when you need it most.

We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, so you can be confident that you’re making the best decision for your home.

Identify tree roots in your pipes with our cctv inspections and nabish them from your drains with our pip repairs and pipe relining.

Blocked Drain, CCTV Inspections & Pipe Relining
Make an Enquiry

Request a Quote

Fill out the form below to get in touch or call us today on
0488 823 407