7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers on 21 Sep 2024

The toilet is a standard home appliance that we regularly use. The temptation is to consider its use as something we take for granted, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that should not to be flushed into the drain because they can cause obstruction from the pipes or damage to sewer pipes.

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t flush certain items into the toilet because they can cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
  • Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet are:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Oil and cooking grease
    • Feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
    • Meds
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • Flushing any of these items can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This will come at an expense that is unimaginable to you.
  • Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.

Here are seven household items should not be flushed down the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes may seem convenient but they don’t break down like toilet paper and can clog pipes. Put them in the garbage instead.

2. Condoms

Dissolving condoms in the toilet can cause blockages to both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment plants.

3. The cooking grease and oil

Grease and oil must be disposed of in a container, and then disposed of in the trash, because they’ll get hard and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.

4. Produits for female hygiene

Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them could cause issues later on when they join with other products to form a nasty blockage.

5. Medicines

Medications should never be flushed into the toilet as they could pollute our water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is designed to be strong that means it will not break apart in water, leading to the possibility of blockages to your pipes.

7. Paper towels

Unlike with toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave which means they are less likely to degrade quickly after being wet, which means they won’t easily blockage.

In the end, flushing any of the seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipes in your plumbing system which can result in an unexpected expense to the homeowner. Be mindful of the items 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.

Common Questions and Answers

Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed really damage my pipes?

Yes. Female hygiene products don’t dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your sewer pipes.

Are flushable wipes truly flushable?

There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t necessarily break down quickly and could cause clogs to your pipes.

Do I have to flush baby wipes down the toilet?

No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet as they do not dissolve well and can cause blockages.

Do paper towels need to be used to flush?

No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down so easily, resulting in possible clogs in the 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, so it’s crucial to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking these to designated drop-off point.

If you’re dealing with a blocked drain Do not delay in calling our professional plumbing solutions at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We offer unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home is free of issues with drainage. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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