10 Surprising Items You Must Never Pour Down the Drain

Sanitary Pads

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Sanitary pads and condoms are built to stay intact in moisture. Once flushed, they unfurl, absorb water, and balloon until they jam sewer mains. Municipal workers regularly haul suitcase-sized “fatbergs” made of latex, pads, grease, and wet wipes out of city pipes.

These blockages cause raw sewage backflows that damage bathrooms and contaminate streams. Wrap used products in tissue, seal them in a bag if possible, and place them in a trash receptacle. Many public restrooms supply dedicated bins for this purpose, protecting plumbing and public health alike.