7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common household fixture that we all regularly use. We tend to think of its convenience for granted, however it’s important to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are some things that should never ever be flushed away down the drain because they can cause obstruction inside the sewer or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the bathroom because they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Meds
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an expense that is unimaginable to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
Seven household objects you shouldn’t flush down the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however they don’t break down as easily as toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Throw them away in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be removed from the container before throwing it away in the garbage bin, as they’ll harden, causing blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them can cause problems later when they are combined with other items to cause a terrible obstruction.
5. Medications
The flushing of medications should not occur down the toilet because they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be tough so it won’t split in water, causing potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, papers have a stronger weave, which makes them less likely to degrade quickly after being wet, meaning they can easily blockage.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains or damaged pipes in your plumbing system that will result in a significant expense to you. Be mindful of what 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
Does flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t disintegrate in water, and could block your sewer or pipes.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed into the toilet as they do not dissolve quickly and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they will not break down so easily, resulting in potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Do I have to flush them in the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways, which is why it’s essential to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking these to designated drop-off point.
If you find yourself dealing with the problem of a blocked drain do not be afraid to contact our professional plumbing services for assistance at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We provide unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure that your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- Efficiently Handle Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Solutions
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
- The Advantage of CCTV Drain Inspection in Detecting Root Infiltration Early
- The Ultimate Guide to Pipe Relining: How to Select the Perfect Material
- Tips on Keeping Your Drains Clear and Free From Blockages
- Problems with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips and Solutions
- When to Schedule a Professional Drain Cleaning Service
- Clogged Bathroom Drain? Learn How to Clear it with The following Thorough Guide
- Don't Let Your Blocked Drains Cause You Trouble
- Clearing Blocked Pipes: An Exhaustive Guide for Plumbers
