7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous home appliance that we regularly use. The temptation is to consider its utility as something we take for granted, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a trash can. There are certain things that should never ever be flushed away down the drain since they can cause blockage from the pipes or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the bathroom because they can cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Products for female hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medications
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items can result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines in your home’s plumbing system. This will come at an unforetold cost to you.
- Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
Seven household objects should not be flushed in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient but they don’t break down as easily as toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Throw them away in the garbage instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease must be removed from a container before throwing it away in the garbage bin, as they can harden and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically marketed in the form of "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to issues later on when they mix with other things to cause a terrible clog.
5. Medications
It is not recommended to flush medications down the toilet because they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is crafted to be strong and durable, meaning it won’t split in water, leading to the possibility of blockages to your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper Paper towels have a thicker weave that will make them less likely to deteriorate quickly once they are wet. This means that they will not quickly cause blockages.
If you flush any of the seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains and damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which will incur a huge expense to the homeowner. Be aware of the things 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
Are feminine hygiene products flushed in the bathroom causing damage? really damage my pipes?
Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Do I have to flush baby wipes down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed into the toilet since they are not able to dissolve easily and can cause blockages.
Are paper towels okay to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and do not break down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging the plumbing system.
What about medication? Can I flush those down the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, so it’s important to dispose of them correctly by taking your medications to the designated drop-off point.
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 drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home is free of plumbing issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- Why You Should Choose CCTV Drain Inspection to Identify Root Infiltration in Your Plumbing System
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Drain Maintenance 101: 10 Simple Methods to Prevent Clogs in Your Home
- DIY Drain Cleaning: How to Safely Tackle Clogged Drains
- How to Fix a Shower Drain: The Step-by-Step Fix Necessary
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- An All-Inclusive Handbook to Unclogging Pipes: What Plumbers Utilize
- The Dangers of Neglecting a Blocked Drain and What You Should Do
- Clear Your Drains: Useful Tricks to Try Out Now
- The Pros and Cons of Clearing Blocked Drains Yourself or Hiring a Professional
