7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a common household fixture that we all are using every day. It’s easy to take its convenience for granted, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s not a garbage can. Certain things should never go down the toilet because they could cause blockage in the drain or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items into the toilet because they could block the drain, or cause damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items that you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Cleaning any of these items can result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
These are the seven items in your home should not be flushed in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however, they do not dissolve like toilet paper and can clog water lines. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet could cause 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 a container before throwing it away in the trash, because they will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Female hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause troubles later on if they mix with other things and cause a obstruction.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications into the toilet as they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be tough and durable, meaning it won’t break apart when wet, which can lead to the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, Paper towels have a thicker weave, which means they are less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, meaning they can quickly cause blockages.
If you flush any of the seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, which can result in an unexpected cost to the homeowner. Be 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 Questions
Does flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t break down in water and may cause blockages to the sewer or your pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the drain since they won’t dissolve well and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and will not break down with the same ease, resulting in potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Can I flush those in the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, which is why it’s crucial to dispose of the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing these to designated drop-off point.
If you are dealing with the problem of a blocked drain Don’t delay in calling our professional plumbing service at Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to make sure your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Problems with Blocked Drains: Plumber Solutions and Tips
- 5 Factors That Are Clogging Your Drains and How to Avoid Them
- The Importance of Professional Drain Cleaning for Your Family's Health and Safety
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Cost-Effective Solution for Unblocking Blocked Drains
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Clearing Your Drain: Top-notch Drainage Fixes
- Why You Should Choose CCTV Drain Inspection to Identify Root Infiltration in Your Plumbing System
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- Avoiding Clogged Drains: Tips for Homeowners
