7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Toilets are a typical home appliance that we regularly use. We tend to think of its use as something we take for granted, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s no garbage can. Certain things should never ever be flushed away down the toilet since they can cause blockage in the drain or damage for sewer drains.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the bathroom because they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Oil and cooking fat
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medical Treatment
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines in your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.
Here are seven household items that you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes are a convenient option however, they do not break down as easily as toilet paper, and they can block the plumbing in your home. You should dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease should be put in a container before throwing it away in the garbage, since they’ll get hard and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Products for feminine hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause problems later when they are combined with other items to create a nasty obstruction.
5. Medicines
Medicines should not be flushed down the toilet because they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be strong, which means it won’t break apart in water, causing the possibility of clogging your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, paper towels have a thicker weave that helps them to degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains and damaged pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, which comes at an unforetold cost to the homeowner. 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. |
Common Questions & Answers
Can flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not dissolve in water and could cause blockages in your sewer or pipes.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Can I wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the drain since they are not able to dissolve easily and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and don’t break down as easily, leading to possible clogs in the plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Can I flush those into the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, which is why it’s important to dispose of them properly by taking your medications to the designated drop-off location.
If you’re faced with an unblocking drain Do not delay in calling our professional plumbing assistance at Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer services to clear blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure your home remains free from issues with drainage. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- CCTV Drain Inspection: A Cost-Effective Solution for Unblocking Blocked Drains
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Property Maintenance
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Expert Tips on Choosing the Best Pipe Relining Material
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Benefits of Pipe Relining for Your Blocked Drains Problem
- Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Cost-Effective Solution for Your Plumbing Needs
- Natural Methods for Keeping Your Shower Drain Free of Blockages
- Why You Should Choose CCTV Drain Inspection to Identify Root Infiltration in Your Plumbing System
- Clear Your Drains: Useful Tricks to Try Out Now
- Tricks for Identifying & Verifying a Clogged Drain