What Not to Flush Down the Toilet

Your toilet may seem like a convenient way to dispose of all sorts of waste, but flushing the wrong things can lead to serious problems.

Clogged pipes, expensive plumbing repairs, and environmental damage are just a few of the consequences of flushing items that don’t break down properly. While it’s tempting to get rid of things quickly, your toilet is designed for just two things: human waste and toilet paper − nothing more.

Many everyday items, from wet wipes to food scraps, may seem harmless but can cause major toilet blockages. Even so-called “flushable” products don’t always break down as they should.

To avoid plumbing disasters and help protect our waterways, it’s important to know what should never go down the toilet. Let’s take a closer look at the top offenders and why they belong in the bin instead.

Hygiene Products That Don’t Break Down

When it comes to hygiene products, many people assume they can be flushed, but these items are often designed to stay intact rather than break down in water. Flushing them can lead to serious plumbing issues.

Here’s a list of common hygiene products that should never be flushed:

• Wet wipes (even “flushable” ones): These don’t disintegrate and can clog pipes quickly.
• Cotton swabs and cotton balls: These items tangle together and don’t dissolve in water.
• Sanitary pads and tampons: They’re too thick to break down and can block pipes.
• Panty liners: Like pads, they don’t break apart and can cause blockages.
• Dental floss: It can wrap around other debris and cause a tangled mess in your pipes.

Instead of flushing these items, dispose of them in the trash where they won’t cause plumbing problems or harm the environment.

Household Items That Clog Pipes

It’s easy to assume that small household items will simply wash away when flushed, but many of them can create stubborn clogs in your plumbing.

Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to break down quickly, other materials don’t dissolve properly and can stick to the inside of your pipes. Over time, they collect debris and lead to costly blockages.

Paper towels and tissues are common culprits. Even though they look similar to toilet paper, they are much thicker and don’t disintegrate as easily. Cotton swabs, dental floss and hair may seem harmless, but they tangle together and create tough clumps that can trap other debris.

Bandages and adhesive strips also don’t break down in water, making them another risk.

To avoid plumbing problems, always toss these items in the bin instead of the toilet. A small change in habit can save you from major headaches − and expensive repairs.

Kitchen Waste That Causes Blockages

Your kitchen waste belongs in the bin or compost – not the toilet. Flushing food scraps and cooking waste might seem convenient, but it can quickly lead to clogged pipes and costly plumbing repairs.

Here are some common kitchen items that should never go down the toilet:

• Cooking grease, oils, and fats – These may be liquid when hot, but they solidify as they cool, creating stubborn blockages in your pipes.
• Coffee grounds – These clump together in water, forming a thick sludge that can build up over time and cause plumbing issues.
• Food scraps – Leftover bits of rice, pasta or vegetable peels may seem small, but they absorb water and expand, leading to blockages.

To keep your plumbing running smoothly, always dispose of kitchen waste properly. Use a compost bin for food scraps, throw grease in a container before discarding it and keep your toilet for its intended purpose – flushing only waste and toilet paper.

Hazardous Materials That Pollute Water

Flushing hazardous materials down the toilet might seem like an easy way to dispose of them, but it can seriously harm the environment.

Many chemicals and medications don’t break down in wastewater treatment plants, meaning they end up in rivers, lakes, and even drinking water supplies. This can be dangerous for wildlife and humans alike.

One of the biggest offenders is medication. Flushing pills, liquids or powders can introduce harmful substances into the water system. Instead, take unused medications to a pharmacy or a designated disposal site.

Cleaning chemicals, such as bleach, disinfectants, and drain cleaners, are also a major problem. These chemicals can kill beneficial bacteria in sewage systems and contaminate water sources.

Paint, solvents, and motor oil should never go down the drain either. Always follow proper disposal methods to keep toxic substances out of our waterways. A little extra effort can help protect our environment for everyone.

Small Objects That Can Get Stuck

You might not think much of it if a small object accidentally falls into the toilet, but flushing it down can cause major plumbing issues. Unlike toilet paper, solid items don’t break down, meaning they can get lodged in your pipes and lead to stubborn blockages.

Here are some common small objects that should never be flushed:

• Toys – Kids love to experiment, and small toys often end up in the toilet. Once flushed, they can get stuck in pipes and cause serious clogs.
• Razor blades and toothbrushes – These don’t break down and can easily jam inside your plumbing. Dispose of them properly instead.
• Jewellery and personal items – If rings, earrings, or other valuables fall in, don’t flush. They’re nearly impossible to retrieve once they go down the drain.

If something small falls in, retrieve it before flushing. Otherwise, it could mean an expensive call to the plumber.

Why Flushing the Wrong Items is a Bad Idea

Flushing things that don’t belong in your toilet might seem harmless, but it can lead to costly and messy problems. Your plumbing system is only designed to handle human waste and toilet paper − everything else can cause blockages, damage pipes and create serious plumbing headaches.

When items like wipes, paper towels, or food scraps go down the toilet, they don’t break down properly. Instead, they clump together, clogging pipes and leading to backups that could flood your bathroom. Worse, these blockages can extend to the sewer system, causing overflows that affect entire neighbourhoods.

Beyond plumbing issues, flushing the wrong things harms the environment. Chemicals, medications and plastics contaminate water supplies, threatening wildlife and marine ecosystems. Wastewater treatment plants aren’t designed to filter out everything, so some pollutants end up in rivers and oceans.

To protect your plumbing and the planet, think before you flush − and use the bin instead.

Proper Disposal Alternatives

Instead of flushing items that can clog your pipes or harm the environment, try these simple and safe disposal methods:

1. Use a trash bin – Most non-flushable items, like wipes, cotton swabs, and hygiene products, should go straight into the bin.
2. Recycle when possible – Paper towels, tissues, and some plastics have proper recycling options, so check your local guidelines.
3. Compost food scraps – Leftover fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells can be composted instead of flushed.
4. Dispose of grease properly – Pour used cooking oil into a sealed container and throw it in the trash instead of down the drain.
5. Take medications to a pharmacy – Never flush old pills. Many pharmacies have disposal programs to safely get rid of expired or unused medications.

A little effort in proper disposal can help prevent costly plumbing repairs and protect the environment. Think before you flush.

Use Your Rubbish Bin

Your toilet is not a trash can. Flushing the wrong items might seem harmless in the moment, but it can lead to expensive plumbing repairs, messy overflows and even environmental damage.

From hygiene products and kitchen waste to small objects and hazardous materials, many things don’t break down properly and can clog your pipes or contaminate waterways.

The good news? Proper disposal is easy. Toss non-flushable items in the bin, recycle when possible and use compost or pharmacy disposal programs for food waste and medications. These small changes can help prevent costly plumbing issues and protect the environment.

So, next time you’re about to flush something questionable, stop and think − does it really belong in the toilet? If not, find a better way to dispose of it. Your plumbing (and the planet) will thank you.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.