7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common household fixture that we all regularly use. The temptation is to consider its utility for granted, however it’s important to remember that it’s not a trash can. Certain things shouldn’t go down the toilet because they could cause blockage within the drainage system or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the bathroom because they could cause blockages in the drain, or cause damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in unimaginable expense to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
These are the seven items in your home you should never flush down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper, and they can block the plumbing in your home. Put them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Toilet paper that contains condoms can lead to blockages in both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil must be removed from a container and thrown away in the trash, because they’ll get hard and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause trouble later on when they mix with other things to create a nasty blockage.
5. Medicines
Medicines should not be flushed through the toilet, as they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be strong that means it will not fall apart in water, causing potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, paper towels have a thicker weave which makes them less likely to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can quickly cause blockages.
In conclusion, flushing any of the seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes within the plumbing system of your home, which can result in an unexpected cost to you. Stay mindful of what you put down the drain.
| 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
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed cause damage to my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not break down in water and could block your sewer or pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not disintegrate easily and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed down the toilet as they do not dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down as easily, leading to potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush those through the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways. It’s essential to dispose of the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing the containers to an appropriate drop-off location.
If you are dealing with blockage of your drain Don’t be afraid to contact our professional plumbing assistance by calling Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We offer services to clear blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure that your home remains free from issues with drainage. Call us now to make an appointment.
Additional Information
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Saving Time and Money with CCTV Drain Inspection for Drain Clearing
- Top Ways to Avoid Drain Cleaning Emergencies
- Instant Fixes for a Clogged Drain: Tips and Tricks
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Clear a Blocked Drain in Your Home
- Efficiently Handle Drain Cleaning with High Pressure Solutions
- Avoid Expensive Repairs with Regular CCTV Drain Inspections
- Investigating the Root Causes that Result in Blocked Drains
- Why Trenchless Pipe Relining is the Future of Condominium Plumbing
