10 Surprising Items You Must Never Pour Down the Drain

Women's Products

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Tampons, like pads, are engineered for rapid absorption and structural durability. When flushed, they swell to several times their original size, wedge into pipe bends, and invite other debris to latch on.

Because they are wrapped in synthetic fibers, they do not biodegrade quickly. Over time, they obstruct sewage flow, triggering costly backups that spread bacteria into sinks, tubs, and even neighborhood yards. Dispose of tampons by wrapping them in toilet paper and placing them in a lined trash can. Many brands now offer biodegradable wrappers to make this step even easier and cleaner for everyone involved.