7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing on 19 Aug 2024

The toilet is a standard household fixture that we all use daily. There’s a tendency to accept its utility for granted, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s no garbage can. There are some things that should never be flushed down the drain because they can cause obstruction inside the sewer or damage for sewer drains.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not flush certain things in the toilet, as they can cause blockages in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
  • Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Oil and cooking grease
    • Female hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
    • Medicines
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • Doing this can result in blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system which comes at an expense that is unimaginable to you.
  • Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing services CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining.

Seven household objects that you shouldn’t flush into the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes are a convenient option however they don’t break down like toilet paper. They can also clog the plumbing in your home. Dispose of them in the garbage instead.

2. Condoms

Toilet paper that contains condoms could cause blockages in both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment plants.

3. The cooking grease and oil

Grease and oil must be put in a container before throwing it away in the trash, because they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.

4. Produits for female hygiene

Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause issues later on when they combine with other items to create a nasty obstruction.

5. Medications

It is not recommended to flush medications down the toilet because they can contaminate our water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is made to be strong that means it will not break apart in water, leading to possible 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 degrade quickly after being they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.

The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipelines within your plumbing system which will incur a huge price to you. Stay mindful of what you send 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 Questions

Can flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?

Yes. Female hygiene products don’t dissolve in water and can cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.

Are flushable wipes really flushable?

There is no need to worry, most "flushable" wipes don’t disintegrate 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 drain since they won’t dissolve quickly and could cause blockages.

Are paper towels okay to flush?

No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they aren’t broken down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging in the plumbing system.

What are the implications of medications? Can I flush them through the toilet?

No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, so it’s important to dispose of them properly by taking the containers to an appropriate drop-off point.

If you find yourself dealing with an unblocking drain, don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing service at Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing . We can help you unblock blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure your home is not impacted by plumbing issues. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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