7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard fixture in the home that we are using every day. We tend to think of its utility as something we take for granted, but it’s vital to remember that it’s no garbage can. There are certain items that should not be flushed down the toilet since they can cause blockage inside the sewer or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things in the bathroom because they can cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines in your home’s plumbing system which comes at an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
These are the seven items in your home that you should never flush down the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however they don’t break down like toilet paper and can clog pipes. Throw them away in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can lead to blockages in the plumbing of your home as well as the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease should be removed from the container, then thrown in the trash, because they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to issues later on when they join with other products and cause a obstruction.
5. Medications
Medicines should not be flushed in the toilet since they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be sturdy, which means it won’t split in water, leading to the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper Paper towels have a thicker weave, which will make them less likely to degrade quickly after being wet, meaning they can easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these items can lead to blocked drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which will incur a huge cost 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. |
Frequently Asked Question
Can flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t break down in water and could cause blockages in the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes do not really break down and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet since they are not able to dissolve easily and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they do not break down with the same ease, resulting in the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Can I flush them through the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, which is why it’s important to dispose of the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing them to a designated place for drop-off.
If you find yourself dealing with the problem of a blocked drain do not hesitate to call our professional plumbing service via Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home is not impacted by plumbing issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspections for Blocked Drains and Corroded Pipes
- Stop Drain Blockages Immediately: A Homeowner's Guide
- The Ultimate Guide to Pipe Relining: How to Select the Perfect Material
- Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
- Why Your Business Needs Periodic Drain Inspection and Cleaning
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- Detecting and Identifying a Blocked Drain: Tricks & Techniques
- Common Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Avoid Them
- Future-Proofing Your Plumbing System with CCTV Drain Inspection
- Get rid of clogged drains with these amazing remedies
