7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a ubiquitous fixture in our homes that we utilize every day. We tend to think of its use as a given, but it’s essential to keep in mind that it’s no garbage can. There are certain things that shouldn’t go down the drain because they can cause obstruction inside the sewer or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Avoid flushing certain things in the bathroom because they could cause blockages in the drain, or cause the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items you should never flush down the toilet are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system, which will result in an unimaginable cost 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 you shouldn’t flush down the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be convenient however, they do not break down as easily as toilet paper and could clog the plumbing in your home. Put them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can result in blockages of both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. The cooking grease and oil
Oil and grease should be put in a container, then thrown in the garbage, since they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Produits for female hygiene
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them will only lead to trouble later on when they join with other products to cause a terrible clog.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications into the toilet as they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is created to be sturdy, which means it won’t break apart when wet, which can lead to possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, Paper towels have a thicker weave, which makes them less likely to deteriorate quickly once they are wet. This means that they will not easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing one of these seven things could result in blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines in your plumbing system which can result in an unexpected price to the homeowner. 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. |
FAQ
Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Products for feminine hygiene do not break down in water and can cause blockages in your sewer pipes.
Are flushable wipes truly flushable?
No, many "flushable" wipes do not really break down and can lead to clogs in your pipes.
Can I wash baby wipes by flushing them 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 safe to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and will not break down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.
What are the implications of medications? Do I have to flush them through the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, which is why it’s crucial to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated place for drop-off.
If you find yourself dealing with blockage of your drain Don’t hesitate to contact our professional plumbing solutions for assistance at Adelaide Blocked Drains Plumbing . We provide unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home remains free from drainage problems. Call us today for an appointment.
Additional Information
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- Drains 101: Essential Tips for Keeping Your Pipes in Good Condition
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