10 Household Items You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain
Sanitary pads
The Plumbing Nightmare of Latex and Synthetic Materials
Sanitary pads and condoms create some of plumbing's most challenging blockages due to their synthetic construction and expansion properties. These products resist decomposition and possess remarkable flexibility that allows them to navigate deep into pipe systems before becoming permanently lodged.
The latex and polymer materials used in these products expand when wet, creating tight seals that completely block water flow. Their flexible nature makes removal extremely difficult, often requiring complete pipe disassembly or replacement. Professional extraction costs frequently exceed hundreds of dollars per incident.
Municipal wastewater systems suffer significant damage when these products enter treatment facilities, requiring expensive equipment repairs and specialized removal procedures. Responsible disposal through trash systems prevents both personal plumbing disasters and community infrastructure damage.
