Things to Never Flush Down the Toilet

Flushing other items can lead to clogged pipes, sewage backups, and costly repairs. It can also contribute to pollution in waterways.

The toilet is often viewed as a convenient place to dispose of waste, but many everyday items can cause significant damage to plumbing systems and the environment when flushed. Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed, as these materials break down in water and pass through the sewage system without issue. Flushing other items can lead to clogged pipes, sewage backups, and costly repairs. It can also contribute to pollution in waterways. Here are some of the most problematic things that should never be flushed down the toilet.

Wet Wipes

Wet wipes, even those labeled “flushable,” are notorious for causing plumbing issues. Since these wipes do not break down as easily as toilet paper, they can accumulate in pipes, leading to blockages. Over time, wet wipes can create massive clogs, often called “fatbergs,” which can obstruct sewer lines and cause extensive damage to plumbing systems. Disposing of wet wipes in the trash is always better than flushing them.

Feminine Hygiene Products

Tampons and sanitary pads, by design, absorb moisture rather than break down in water. However, these items can quickly clog pipes and cause significant blockages in both household plumbing and municipal sewage systems. Therefore, feminine hygiene products should be placed in the trash to prevent costly repairs and potential environmental harm.

Condoms

Condoms are made of latex, a material that does not break down easily in water. When flushed, condoms can block pipes and cause significant plumbing issues. In addition, condoms can pass through sewage treatment plants and enter waterways, where they contribute to environmental pollution. Disposing of condoms in the trash is the safest and most responsible option.

Diapers

Flushing diapers down the toilet is one of the most damaging things that can be done to a plumbing system. Diapers are highly absorbent, which makes them expand when exposed to water. This expansion can quickly lead to severe blockages in pipes, requiring professional intervention to remove them. Diapers should always be disposed of in the trash, never in the toilet.

Paper Towels and Tissues

Paper towels and tissues, unlike toilet paper, do not dissolve quickly in water. Paper towels, in particular, are thicker and more absorbent, which can lead to clogged pipes when flushed. Tissues, though thinner than paper towels, still do not break down as naturally as toilet paper. Both should be thrown away in the trash rather than flushed down the toilet.

Dental Floss

Dental floss may seem harmless, but when flushed, it can wreak havoc on plumbing systems. Floss is made from nylon or other non-biodegradable materials that do not break down in water. When flushed, dental floss can wrap around other debris in the pipes, creating larger clogs. It can also tangle in sewage treatment equipment, leading to costly repairs.

Cotton Balls and Swabs

Cotton balls, cotton swabs, and other cotton-based products should never be flushed down the toilet. Cotton does not break down easily in water and can accumulate in pipes, leading to blockages. When flushed in large quantities, cotton products can cause significant clogs in the plumbing system, which may require professional removal. Disposing of cotton items in the trash is the safest option.

Medications

Flushing medications down the toilet can have serious environmental consequences. Pharmaceuticals do not break down easily in water and can contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic life. Many communities offer medication take-back programs or drop-off locations to dispose of unwanted medications safely. If such programs are unavailable, mixing medications with coffee grounds or cat litter before putting them in the trash is recommended.

Grease, Oils, and Fats

Grease, oils, and fats should never be flushed down the toilet or poured down drains. When grease cools, it solidifies and can stick to the walls of pipes, causing blockages that are difficult to remove. Over time, grease buildup can lead to sewage backups and major plumbing issues. Pouring cooled grease, oils, and fats into a sealed container and placing the container in the trash is the best way to prevent clogs and protect the plumbing system.

Hair

Hair is another common culprit of plumbing clogs. When flushed down the toilet, hair can tangle with other debris in the pipes, creating stubborn blockages. Hair is not water-soluble and will not break down in the sewage system. To avoid plumbing issues, it is best to collect hair in a drain trap or dispose of it in the trash.

Cigarette Butts

Cigarette butts are made of synthetic materials that do not decompose easily in water. When flushed down the toilet, cigarette butts contribute to clogs in the plumbing system and may release toxic chemicals into the water supply. Proper disposal of cigarette butts involves placing them in the trash, where they will not pose a risk to plumbing or the environment.

Band-Aids

Band-Aids are made from non-biodegradable materials such as plastic or fabric that do not break down in water. When flushed, Band-Aids can accumulate in pipes, leading to blockages that disrupt the plumbing system. In addition, Band-Aids can contribute to environmental pollution when they pass through sewage treatment plants and enter waterways. Always dispose of Band-Aids in the trash to prevent damage to both plumbing and the environment.

Food Waste

Although food waste may seem like it will break down in water, flushing food down the toilet is not recommended. Food particles accumulate in pipes and cause clogs or blocks, particularly if grease or oils are involved. Additionally, food waste can disrupt the sewage treatment process. Composting food scraps or disposing of food waste in the trash is a better option for keeping the plumbing system clear.

Flushing anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet can lead to significant plumbing problems and environmental damage. Items like wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and condoms are not designed to break down in the water and can contribute to clogs and backups in pipes. Medications, grease, and hair should also be kept out of the toilet to prevent harm to plumbing systems and the environment. Using the trash or participating in take-back programs help protect the home’s plumbing and the broader ecosystem. Taking care to avoid flushing harmful items down the toilet is a simple but effective way to maintain a functional and environmentally responsible home and prevent the need for emergency plumbing repairs.

Flow Tech Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair services in the Phoenix area. We repair and replace pipes, faucets, toilets, garbage disposals, and more. We install and repair bathtubs, showers, gas lines, pumps, kitchen plumbing, bathroom plumbing, water heaters, water filters, water softeners, sewers, drains, leaks, and more. We offer hydrojetting and 24/7 emergency service. Call us at (623) 267-2703.