7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical household fixture that we all regularly use. The temptation is to consider its use as something we take for granted, but it’s important to remember that it’s no garbage can. Certain things should never to be flushed into the toilet since they can cause blockage from the pipes or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Don’t flush certain items down the toilet as they could cause blockages in the drain, or cause damages to the pipes.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking grease
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Cleaning any of these items will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system which comes at unimaginable expense to you.
- Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.
Seven household objects you should never flush into the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and could clog your plumbing system. Put them in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Grease and oil should be disposed of in a container before throwing it away in the garbage bin, as they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to troubles later on if they join with other products to cause a terrible blockage.
5. Medicines
Medicines should not be flushed through the toilet, as they can contaminate our water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be durable so it won’t break apart when wet, which can lead to the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Unlike with toilet paper, Paper towels have a thicker weave that helps them to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, meaning they can easily blockage.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system that will result in a significant expense to the homeowner. Stay 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 Questions
Does flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not disintegrate in water, and can cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Do I have to wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed into the toilet because they don’t dissolve quickly and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and do not break down as quickly, causing potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What about medication? Do I have to flush them into the toilet?
No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways, so it’s crucial to dispose of them properly by taking them to a designated location for disposal.
If you’re dealing with blockage of your drain, don’t be afraid to contact our professional plumbing solutions by calling Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber . We can help you unblock blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure that your home is not impacted by plumbing issues. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- An All-Inclusive Handbook to Unclogging Pipes: What Plumbers Utilize
- Tricks for Identifying & Verifying a Clogged Drain
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Say hello to unclogged drains with effective remedies
- Uncovering the Root Causes of Blocked Drains
- Clear Your Drains: Useful Tricks to Try Out Now
