7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous household fixture that we all are using every day. We tend to think of its use as a given, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain things that should not go down the toilet because they could cause blockage from the pipes or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things in the toilet, as they can cause blockages in the drain or harm to pipes in the sewer.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Meds
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- The act of flushing any of these items can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system. This can result in unimaginable expense to you.
- Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.
These are the seven items in your home that should not be flushed down the drain.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however, they do not dissolve like toilet paper and could clog your plumbing system. Throw them away in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
The flushing of condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in the plumbing of your home as well as the wastewater treatment plant.
3. Food preparation grease and oil
Oil and grease should be put in a container, then thrown in the trash, as they’ll harden, causing obstructions in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are often advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them could cause troubles later on if they mix with other things to create a nasty obstruction.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications in the toilet since they can be a source of contamination for water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be durable, which means it won’t fall apart in water, causing potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
Contrary to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave which means they are less likely to deteriorate quickly once they’re wet. They can quickly cause blockages.
In conclusion, flushing any of these items could result in blocked drains and damaged pipes within your home’s plumbing system which comes at an unforetold expense to you. Be aware of the things you flush down the 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 Question
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed really damage my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not break down in water and can cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes actually flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes do not actually break down easily and may cause clogs in your pipes.
Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed down the toilet since they won’t dissolve quickly and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they will not break down as quickly, causing possible clogs in your plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Can I flush them in the toilet?
No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways, so it’s important to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated location for disposal.
If you’re faced with blockage of your drain Do not delay in calling our professional plumbing assistance via Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home is not impacted by issues with drainage. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
- From Blocked to Unclogged: A Step-by-Step Tutorial to Fix Your Shower Drain
- Say Goodbye to Frequent Clogging: Reasons to Invest in Pipe Relining Services
- The Importance of CCTV Drain Inspection in Commercial Properties
- 10 Simple Ways for Fixing a Clogged Pipe
- A Quick and Easy Fix for Blocked Sinks and Showers
- The Ultimate Guide to Drain Clearing Services
- Don't Let These Common Mistakes Clog Your Pipes
- Do-It-Yourself Drain Cleaning: Helpful Tips for Preventing Clogs in Your House
- Discover the optimal plumber for your backed up drain emergency
- Pinpointing the Culprits of Drain Obstructions
