What Not to Throw in the Toilet
Why Flushing the Wrong Items Is a Problem
Toilets and sewer systems are only built to handle human waste and toilet paper. Anything else can:
- Clog pipes and sewer lines
- Damage plumbing fixtures
- Cause backups into your home
- Lead to expensive plumbing repairs
- Harm wastewater treatment systems
Even items labeled as “flushable” may not break down properly and can still cause issues.
Wipes (Even “Flushable” Wipes)
One of the biggest plumbing offenders is wipes. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, disinfecting wipes, and makeup wipes do not dissolve like toilet paper.
Even products labeled as flushable can:
- Get stuck in pipes
- Combine with grease and debris to create major blockages
- Cause sewer overflows
Wipes should always be thrown in the trash.
Paper Towels and Napkins
Paper towels, tissues, and napkins are thicker and more absorbent than toilet paper. They are designed to stay strong when wet, which makes them dangerous for plumbing systems.
Flushing these items can easily lead to:
- Toilet clogs
- Slow drains
- Pipe damage
Dispose of them in the trash instead.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and applicators are not biodegradable in water. These products expand when wet and can block pipes almost immediately.
Flushing feminine hygiene products can cause:
- Severe clogs
- Sewer backups
- Damage to septic systems
Always wrap and discard them properly in the trash.
Dental Floss
Dental floss may seem harmless, but it does not break down in water. Instead, it can wrap around other debris inside pipes, creating large and stubborn clogs.
Dental floss should never be flushed and should always be disposed of in the trash.
Cotton Balls, Cotton Swabs, and Pads
Cotton products absorb water and expand, making them extremely problematic for plumbing. They can clump together and block pipes quickly.
Items to avoid flushing include:
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
- Makeup pads
These belong in the trash, not the toilet.
Hair
Hair does not dissolve in water and easily tangles inside pipes. Over time, flushed hair can combine with soap residue and other debris, leading to serious blockages.
Always dispose of hair in the trash.
Medications and Pills
Flushing medications down the toilet can harm the environment and contaminate water systems. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove pharmaceutical chemicals completely.
Instead:
- Use local medication take-back programs
- Follow pharmacy disposal guidelines
Never flush pills unless specifically instructed.
Grease, Oil, and Food Waste
While more commonly poured down drains, grease and food scraps should never go in the toilet either. Grease solidifies as it cools and sticks to pipes, causing major blockages.
This includes:
- Cooking oil
- Fat and grease
- Food leftovers
Dispose of grease properly in containers and throw food waste in the trash.
Cat Litter
Even though some cat litter claims to be flushable, it can expand and harden in pipes. Cat waste may also contain parasites harmful to water systems.
Cat litter should always be thrown in the trash.
Diapers
Disposable diapers are designed to absorb large amounts of liquid and expand significantly. Flushing diapers can instantly clog toilets and damage plumbing systems.
Never flush diapers under any circumstances.
Condoms
Condoms are made from materials that do not break down in water. They can easily get stuck in pipes and contribute to blockages.
Dispose of condoms in the trash, wrapped properly.
Cigarette Butts
Cigarette butts contain filters made of plastic fibers that do not decompose. They can clog pipes and release toxic chemicals into water systems.
Cigarette butts belong in the trash, not the toilet.
Small Household Items
Many people accidentally flush small items such as:
- Dental caps
- Jewelry
- Toys
- Plastic packaging
These items can become lodged in pipes and require professional removal.
What Should You Flush?
To avoid plumbing issues, only flush:
- Human waste
- Toilet paper
Nothing else should go into the toilet.
How Improper Flushing Affects Your Home and the Environment
Improper flushing can lead to:
- Costly plumbing repairs
- Flooded bathrooms
- Sewage backups
- Environmental pollution
- Damage to public sewer systems
Being mindful of what you flush helps protect your home and community.
Tips to Prevent Toilet Clogs
- Keep a trash bin in every bathroom
- Educate family members and guests
- Avoid products labeled “flushable”
- Schedule regular plumbing inspections