7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard fixture in the home that we use daily. We tend to think of its convenience for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain things that shouldn’t be flushed down the drain because they can cause obstruction within the drainage system or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to flush certain items in the toilet, as 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 drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
- Female hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items can result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines in your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unimaginable cost to you.
- Perth Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
Here are seven household items that you shouldn’t flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however, they do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. You should dispose of them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be removed from the container and thrown away in the trash, because they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause issues later on when they are combined with other items to form a nasty blockage.
5. Medications
Medicines should not be flushed through the toilet, as they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be tough, which means it won’t split in water, causing the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave that helps them to break down quickly when they are wet. This means that they will not easily cause blockages.
In conclusion, flushing any of these items can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, which will incur a huge price 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
Can flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not dissolve in water and may cause blockages to your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes don’t disintegrate easily 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 never be flushed down the drain since they won’t dissolve quickly and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and don’t break down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Do I have to flush them through the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. It’s crucial to dispose of the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing them to a designated place for drop-off.
If you’re faced with the problem of a blocked drain Do not delay in calling our professional plumbing service for assistance at Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to make sure your home is not impacted by issues with drainage. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
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- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
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- How to Choose between Different Types of Pipe Relining Materials (And Which One Is Right for You)
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- Keeping Costly Drain Repairs at Bay with Routine Inspections
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