Things That You Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet

Never flush wipes down your toilet, unless you want to be the one unclogging it...

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While items like baby wipes, wet wipes, make-up wipes, and bleach wipes may appear to be flushable, you'd be wrong. They don't break down in sewers and lead to expensive plumbing issues. The packet might say biodegradable but throwing them out is a much better option!

And that goes for "flushable" wipes too!

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Believe it or not, you shouldn't believe everything you read on a packet of wipes. The last few years has seen endless brands releasing flushable toilet wipes, but honestly, these can cause a blockage just as bad as normal wipes. So unless you're willing to get your hands dirty... don't bother.

Medication is a big no-no

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Rather than causing a blockage, it's the treatment plants that suffer from medication. Sewage plants simply can't handle the compounds in medications, so pollutes the water supply. It can eventually lead to polluted rivers and oceans, harming fish and marine life.

Food takes longer to break down than you think, don't flush it

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The fact is that food waste doesn't break down in septic tanks. While food does spoil, it's important to remember that any food that ends up in the toilet can cause a huge clog until it decomposes. If you flush something that should go in a trash can, you'll be wasting water and may cause a very unpleasant backup.

Paper towels are not the same as toilet paper... so don't flush them

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Fair enough, a paper towel is very similar to bathroom tissue. Yet they don't act the same. When toilet paper comes into contact with water, it instantly disintegrates and dissolves while towels soak up more water than regular toilet paper. That's why you should just toss them in the trash.

Floss - although it seems small, it's a nuisance

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While it's thin in size and looks like it could easily make its way through your pipes, it doesn't. Unfortunately, dental floss isn't biodegradable. It can take on a net-like shape and catch other debris in your drain, accumulating into one monstrous blockage. Just toss it in the garbage.

Hairballs are nasty and don't belong in the toilet

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Never flush down the toilet hairballs you've retrieved from the shower or sink. You know how huge a hairball can get from your neglected hairbrush. Visualize the size of a hairball that has built up in your drain and consider the stress you'll spare yourself if you dispose of it properly.

Syringes should never be flushed down the toilet

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Needles and syringes are filthy and unsanitary and are considered bio-hazardous medical waste. Since pharmacies typically have access to medical waste disposal units, you should be leaving your used syringes there. Customers are encouraged to use the pharmacy's syringe take-back program to properly dispose of their unused needles.

Don't put your toxic cigarette ends in there too

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Toxic plastics from cigarette butts are one of the biggest polluters in the world. Over 4.5 billion cigarette ends are thrown away each year and if flushed can pose a harm to marine life. Not to mention that cigarette butts also have a tendency to float and are not always flushed away. Be responsible and throw away your cigarette butts after extinguishing them carefully.

If you don't know it already... sanitary towels don't belong in the lavatory...

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With their primary purpose being to absorb liquid, you might think that putting sanitary towels down the toilet is okay. Well, you're mistaken. They are capable of obstructing pipes and it might make you look foolish when the plumber figures out what's wrong.

...nor do tampons too!

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The same goes for tampons as well. We know that tampons swell in size with the liquid they absorb, and this isn't any different with your toilet water. They'll easily get stuck in your pipes and the result will be an expensive plumber to come and fix it.

Condoms (unless you want to be the one unclogging your toilet)

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It's obvious to some but you'd be surprised how many people flush condoms down the toilet. Please don't! They can't be broken down or dissolved and will easily cause a clog in the plumbing system. You'll either have the disgusting job of unblocking the toilet, or the embarrassing job of hiring someone else.

Cosmetics - they go on your face, not the toilet

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A lot of people don't realize that outdated cosmetics like moisturizer and other beauty care items might be harmful, and that goes for your toilet health too. They may wreak havoc on sewage treatment facilities and septic tanks, so please don't flush them down the toilet.

Goldfish, just bury it already

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It's sad to say goodbye to a beloved pet, so give them a better send off than the toilet! It's not just goldfish that sewer workers find in pipes, they've been known to find hamsters and guinea pigs too. So instead, wrap them in a bag or box and give them a decent burial in the backyard.

Diapers (do we even need to say it?!)

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Diapers, like tampons and sanitary towels, are made to soak up fluid. You could get a diaper to make it down the first pipe but there is a good probability, though, that it won't go very far. When it continues to grow, it will clog your pipe horribly.

Cotton buds, just put them in the bin please

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It's easy to soak up moisture using cotton which means that cotton buds will not disintegrate in water and should not be flushed down the toilet. Instead, they'll just get caught in a monstrous mess in your pipes. Cotton buds should just be disposed of in your normal garbage bin please.

And even worse.. cotton balls!

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What's even worse than flushing cotton buds? Cotton balls, for sure. These bad boys soak up more moisture and can grow in size, so piling these into the pipes of your toilet is just going to cause you more work later on. All you need to do is toss them in the garbage can.

Please don't put your bloody band-aids in the toilet!

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Once a band-aid is flushed down the toilet, what do you believe happens to it? Nothing. It doesn't vanish into thin air it just causes unnecessary blockages if it enters your pipes and stays there. The problem is that many of them wind up in the sewers.

You might not think so, but cat litter can do harm to your toilet

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Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found in cat feces, may infect animals and is highly toxic. The water supply can be contaminated since sewage treatment facilities are not equipped to handle it. Also, the bentonite clay used in cat litter hardens over time and causes a clog in the plumbing system.

Although tiny, contact lenses are a threat to wildlife

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Contact lenses may be small, but they offer the same dangers compared to other single-use plastics if they are not disposed of properly. Their breakdown creates even smaller particles that will have a toxic effect on marine life. Throwing them out in the garbage is the safest option.

Unsurprisingly, gum is also a big no-no

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It's a huge faux pas to flush gum down the toilet. In addition to being sticky, it is also insoluble and because of its stickiness, it causes major plumbing problems. There is a significant risk of clogging plumbing systems whenever gum is flushed down the toilet.

Fat or oil shouldn't be put into your drains unless you want a serious blockage!

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When fat and oil are flushed down the toilet, they cause huge problems for the plumbing, don't let their fluid appearance deceive you. They set quickly and embed themselves in the pipe walls. After a while, the obstruction makes it impossible for anything else to pass through.

Believe it or not... bleach

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You might not believe it, but you should never put bleach in the toilet. It's highly corrosive, therefore it should be kept far away from your plumbing, not to mention toxic fumes are produced when it combines with other pollutants in the sewer system.

Another hazardous waste that shouldn't be flushed is paint

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Pigments, solvents, extenders, binders, and additives all work together to form paint and make it a toxic substance. If there's one thing we've learned, you should not dispose of toxic substances in your toilet. Choose a reputable paint recycling center to dispose of any unused paint.

Weedkiller is a killer of your pipes

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According to direct-drainage, there are a number of garden chemicals that aren't meant to be flushed down your lavatory, and one of the big ones is weedkiller. Along with insecticides and fungicides, weedkiller has a specific purpose and when the chemicals are released into your toilet it does harm to the marine life.

Anti-freeze, your toilet doesn't need it!

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Now we're on the topic of chemicals being flushed down your toilet, we ought to look at chemicals like anti-freeze and motor oil. While it might sound obvious, some people don't understand the danger of flushing the hazardous and harsh substances into your toilet.

Vapes should never be flushed

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Listen, it might sound stupid, but some people genuinely think that because they "can" flush cigarette butts down the toilet, they can put their vapes in their too. Wrong! That's a big no-no. Obviously vapes are too big and heavy for any toilet, and might get stuck somewhere along the pipe.

And the same goes for batteries too!

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No matter the size of the battery, they are all dense. This means that instead of being flushed away with the water, they might stay in your pipes longer than you think, adding to the extreme blockage you might eventually get. This will prove costly as you'll have to get someone out to fix it.

Contact lens cleaning solution... no no no!

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If you're looking for somewhere to put your used contact-lens solution, don't look to the toilet. Toilets are for water and excrement only, and putting anything other than this down can lead to pollution, a change in the marine life or unwanted blockages!

White spirits are detrimental too

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White spirit is a harmful substance that can easily corrode your plumbing pipes if too much of it enters your at-home plumbing system. It might sound like an easy way to get rid of it now, but trust me, you'll regret it later when it comes to fixing it!

Pet terrapins became a problem in the sewers

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You may not believe your eyes when your read that people putting their pet terrapins down the toilet became a real problem in the sewers. The terrapins were surviving through the pipes and wreaking havoc at the other end. Plus, it's completely cruel and unethical!

Antibiotics can infiltrate the water supply

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Putting your tablets down the toilet may seem like a good ides because they disintegrate in water. But hold up. It's the worse place you can put them because they infiltrate the water supplies meaning that medication could be entering into your tap water and causing antibiotic resistance!

Cooking oils and water don't mix well

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You'll know from cooking that oil and water just does not mix. So why would you flush it down the loo? It makes no sense, and it clogs the pipes. It's really something we all need to stop doing unless we want to call the plumber and pay a huge fee to fix the pipes.

 Hair bands can kill wildlife

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Those little hair bands, whether they're whole or broken can pose such a threat if they enter the sea. Our toilets are not garbage systems and it's totally irresponsible to put things down the toilet that don't belong. Hair bands have killed numerous sea life.

Dryer sheets don't dispose like toilet tissue

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Dryer sheets might seem innocent, but they really don't belong in the toilet. Unlike toilet tissue that breaks down easily, dryer sheets are purposefully designed to resist breaking down. Flushing them can lead to plumbing problems and blockages in your pipes.

Don't dump your coffee grounds into the toilet

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Most of us would probably assume that coffee grounds or kernels being flushed down the toilet would be completely harmless. But we'd be wrong. They can cause a real problem in the pipes because coffee grounds don't break down easily and can stay there for a long time.

Tampon applicators belong in the bin, not the toilet

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Tampons don't belong int he toilet...so tampon applicators ESPECIALLY don't belong there. They're either made out of card or plastic which will not decompose for a very long time. Are microplastics something that we want in our water systems? Definitely not.

Nail clippings - that's just gross

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While they may seem small and harmless, they can contribute to plumbing issues over time. Just like the other non-dissolvable items, nail clippings can accumulate in pipes and cause blockages. Just toss them in the trash and avoid sensing them to the sewer.

As for eggshells...why would you?

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There have been many cases where people have thrown eggshells into their toilets. First, eggshells don't break down easily in water, which can contribute to plumbing blockages. Second, while they might seem harmless, flushing non-biodegradable items like eggshells can strain sewage systems. Third...just why would you?

The toilet is NOT the place for pet waste

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Human waste is one thing, but pet waste is another thing entirely. While our sewers are built for human waste, they aren't built for the likes of dogs, cats and other species' faeces. They can contain harmful bacteria and parasites which can contaminate water sources! Yikes.

Hair dye should never be flushed

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air dye should never be flushed down the toilet. Hair dye contains chemicals that can be harmful to water systems and aquatic life. Additionally, these chemicals can interfere with the normal treatment processes at wastewater treatment plants and can cost a LOT of money.

If you think lint belongs down the loo...think again!

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Lint is NOT something any of us should ever flush down the toilet. It's composed of tiny fibers that don't break down easily in water and can contribute to plumbing problems over time. It's much better to dispose of lint in the trash or, if applicable, consider recycling it.

Latex gloves will clog the pipes

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Again, plastic down the toilet is a huge no-no. They don't break down, and they clog up the pipes causing major plumping problems. They also mean that even more microplastics are entering our water systems and therefore, our bodies which is a highly scary thought.

Don't put dirt down the toilet

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You may think why not dirt? It's natural and it's decomposable. But does it belong down the drain? Nope. Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, not solid materials like dirt. Dirt doesn't break down easily in water and can lead to blockages.

Don't think about putting shells down either

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Shells....yes, it's happened before. There have been several accounts of shells being flushed down the toilet. Perhaps it's some kind of tenuous link to the ocean that make people inclined to put shells in the sewers. Whatever the reason, it needs to stop.

Wine corks belong in the trash

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After going tot he effort of de-corking a wine bottle, surely you can take the extra step to the trash can rather than to the toilet. Corks don't break down for a very long time, meaning that they build up with all of the other materials that shouldn't go down the loo.

Cotton pads cause havoc with the drains

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Flushing cotton pads down the toilet can wreak havoc on drains and plumbing systems. Due to their non-dissolvable nature, these items don't break down easily in water. When disposed of improperly, they tend to accumulate and lead to troublesome blockages.

Steer clear from flushing harsh chemicals

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You don't actually need harsh chemicals to clean your toilet, it can be done even more effectively with natural or safer products. It also means that you aren't releasing a load of dangerous chemicals and substances into water that could potentially be used in our very own water supplies.

Old bandages are a no-go

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For proper disposal of old bandages, it's best to wrap them in a small amount of tissue or place them in a sealed bag before throwing them in the trash, and definitely down into the toilet. This way they can be disposed of safely AND responsibly instead!

Ashes from the fireplace release harmful chemicals

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Ashes can contain harmful chemicals that, when released into the water system, may pose environmental risks. Additionally, ashes can mix with water and form a paste, contributing to blockages in plumbing systems when they build up and stop the water from getting through.

Kitchen roll is far too thick

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Kitchen roll is thicker and more resistant than toilet paper. While it might seem similar, it is designed to be more durable and absorbent, making it less likely to break down easily in water. Flushing kitchen roll down the toilet can lead to plumbing issues.

Paint is not good for the pipes

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Paint should never be flushed down the toilet. It contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and can interfere with the proper functioning of sewage systems and depending on what it's made of, it could cause a lot of damage to your pipes.

Bottle caps are a hazard!

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Bottle caps, whether made of plastic or metal, should not be flushed down the toilet. Bottle caps have become a modern nuisance, one of the reasons being that they are a regular culprit in fish and marine life being killed by plastic rubbish and in particular, bottle caps.

Don't put toothpaste into the drains

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Toothpaste typically contains chemicals, and flushing it can introduce these substances into the water supply, potentially harming aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, toothpaste can contribute to plumbing issues, as it may not break down easily in water.

Soap wrappers should be responsibly discarded!

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Soap wrappers should NEVER be flushed down the toilet. These wrappers are typically made of materials that do not break down easily in water, and flushing them can contribute to plumbing issues. And, introducing non-biodegradable materials into the sewage system can have environmental consequences.

NEVER put disposable razors in the toilet

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Razors in the toilet? You wouldn't think that anybody would, would you? But, razors have indeed been flushed down the toilet which as you can imagine, causes massive problems. And, you'll end up having to pay big bucks to sort out and fix your pipes.

Bits of soap bars won't flush well

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Instead of flushing bits of soap bars down the toilet, you could try to gather smaller soap bits and mold them together to create a new soap bar, allowing them to dry before use. It's won't cause you expensive plumbing problems and you're getting more use from the soap!

Adhesive labels belong in the bin

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These sticky labels labels often contain materials that do not break down easily in water, and flushing them can contribute to plumbing problems when they cause blockages in the pipes. Instead, it's recommended to dispose of adhesive labels in the trash. If the label is on a recyclable item.

Plant leaves aren't as harmless as you'd think

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Again, plant leaves may not sound harmful, but they shouldn't be put into the toilet! Instead, consider composting plant leaves if you have a compost bin or dispose of them in the trash. It's much more environmentally friendly and won't block your loo!

Wooden toothpicks can clog the pipes

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There's absolutely no need to be putting wooden toothpicks down the toilet. Yes, they're small, but the shape of them can get wedged in the pipes meaning that waste can then get stuck. Toothpicks are easily disposed of in the recycling, the compost bin or the trash can.

Even biodegradable diapers shouldn't be flushed

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Even though some diapers are labeled as biodegradable, it's crucial to note that they are not designed to break down quickly in the water and can still cause plumbing issues. Flushing any type of diaper, whether traditional or biodegradable, can lead to clogs and damage to the sewage system.

Coins...it's not a wishing well

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You wouldn't really think that anyone would want to flush coins down the toilet, it's money after all, no matter how small the change is. But copious amounts of coins have been discovered in the sewers, flushed down by people for one reason or anther.

Pet medication is not fit for human water

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Flushing pet medications down the toilet is not a recommended method, as it can introduce these substances into the water supply. Humans can't safely digest medication that's made for animals, so it should never be entering into our water systems either!

Or human medication!

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When it comes to getting rid of old meds, you don't want to just flush them down the toilet. It might seem like the easy way out, but it messes with our water and environment. Instead, talk to your pharmacist or doc—they know what's up. Some places also have take-back programs, so you can drop off your unused pills.

Hair grips...really?

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Even those tiny hair grips can be trouble if you flush them down the toilet. They don't break down easily, and over time, they can add up and cause plumbing issues. It's one of those small things that can make a big difference—toss them in the trash instead. Your pipes will thank you!

Build-up from the shower drain will also build up in the toilet

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It makes no sense really, to remove all of that horrible stuff that was clogging up the shower, to flush it down the toilet. If it didn't break down in one set of pipes well, then why put it straight into another! Put it in the trash and stop causing yourself unnecessary plumbing issues.

Sewing thread may be small but it can cause issues

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Half of the problems caused in the plumbing pipes stems from laziness. It's more a case of the toilet being closer than the trash can, which leads to people putting strange objects like sewing thread down the loo, rather than people truly thinking they're doing the right thing.

Reed-diffuser liquid shouldn't go down the drain

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Pouring room-scent liquid or air freshener down the drain is not a good idea. These liquids often contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and may not break down easily in the water. It's better to dispose of them in the regular trash or check if there are specific guidelines in your area for disposing of such products.

Even mouthwash is a no-go

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Even though mouthwash might seem harmless, it's generally not recommended to pour it down the drain. Mouthwash often contains chemicals that, if disposed of in large quantities, can be harmful to aquatic life and the environment. It's better to treat mouthwash like other household chemicals to be on the safe side!

Tea bags, put them in the trash

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When it comes to tea bags, it's best to dispose of them in the trash rather than flushing them down the toilet. Even though they seem harmless, they might not break down as easily as toilet paper and could lead to plumbing problems. By tossing them in the trash, you're avoiding potential issues!

Expired vitamins can affect our health

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Not only can expired vitamins potentially affect our health when consumed, but the way we dispose of them can also impact the environment. Flushing expired vitamins down the drain can introduce even more pharmaceutical substances into water systems, potentially affecting marine life.

Sanitary pads are a causing environmental issues from being flushed!

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Flushing sanitary pads down the toilet is a significant environmental concern. Sanitary pads are typically made of non-biodegradable materials like plastics and synthetic fibers, which don't break down easily in water. When flushed, they can accumulate in the sewage system!

Makeup cleansers cause major problems

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Even makeup cleansers (especially those containing oils and other chemicals) can cause significant problems when flushed down the drain. These substances can contribute to clogs in the plumbing system and may not be effectively treated in wastewater treatment facilities.

Drinks can contain chemicals that stay in the water

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On a similar note, drinks may also contain ingredients that interfere with the complexities of the water treatment processes! Just because the toilet flushes away, doesn't mean that anything liquid is allowed to enter! It's more damaging than we might think.

Insects...that's just cruel

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If an insect is already dead, then put it outside or into the trash to dispose of it - it definitely doesn't belong down the drain. If the insect is alive, that's just plain cruel and you should remove the insect from your home humanely instead if you want it out of your way!

Plastic straws will end up in the ocean if they're flushed

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Thankfully, plastic straws are being banned left, right and centre because of the huge problems they cause to our oceans. Plastic straws are a significant contributor to marine pollution and pose threats to marine life. They can take years to break down and may cause harm to aquatic ecosystems.

Chewable toothbrushes should stay out of the toilet

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Chewable toothbrushes, like any other non-flushable items, should be kept out of the toilet. These toothbrushes often contain plastic components that do not break down easily in water. Flushing them can contribute to clogs in the plumbing system and negatively impact the environment.

Plastic buttons may stay in your tank

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Sometimes when you wash something that you shouldn't, it stays in the bottom of your toilet bowl and will not flush - which in this case, is actually a better scenario than it floating right into our oceans. Buttons are in no way intended to be flushed away!

Waxed paper is waterproof...and a problem

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If you're putting waxed paper into the toilet, you may soon have a serious plumbing problem that could cost you mega money. Because, hence the wax, it's supposed to resist water and not break down, meaning it's not intended to go into the tank at all.

Shampoo - that's for your shower!

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There is a difference between the pipes from the shower and the toilet. What goes in one shouldn't necessarily go in the other. So keep shampoo out of the toilet because there are chemicals and ingredients which may contaminate water supplies and treatment processes.