Buzz
Image: Lasha Kilasonia/Getty ImagesWe rarely think about how our toilet works, but the intricate mechanisms that enable it to flush deserve more attention. It’s easy to overlook modern plumbing—and even easier to make careless mistakes when it comes to what you flush.
Plumbers strongly advise against flushing anything but toilet paper. If they had the chance, they’d likely shout this message from the rooftops. Below, discover the seven things experts warn you should never flush or pour down your toilet.
Wipes
The packaging of your wipes may claim they are flushable, but according to Bethany Uribe, mitigation division supervisor at ASAP Restoration, it’s best to avoid flushing them.
“Even if the wipes are labeled as biodegradable, eco-friendly, or disposable, they’re still not safe to flush, and they can easily block your plumbing,” says Uribe. “When these wipes get caught in a pipe snag or hit a bend, joint, or curve, they form a solid obstruction.” This means that if enough of them accumulate and block the pipes entirely, it can destroy your plumbing, causing leaks and backups simultaneously, she explains.
Paper Towels
Paper towels are more robust, durable, and absorbent compared to toilet paper, according to experts, which is why they don’t break down as quickly.
“Although the toilet may appear to flush them down without issue, they can still become lodged in the pipes, leading to potential problems,” says Nate Hudelson, also known as the 'No Nonsense Plumber' from Schlueter Plumbing.
Feminine Products
Tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene products are designed for high absorbency, which can cause serious issues if they end up stuck in your plumbing system.
“The very property that makes these products effective for their intended use is what makes them disastrous for your plumbing,” explains Uribe. “These absorbent materials swell dramatically when exposed to water, and this expansion can completely block the plumbing, often requiring a professional to fix the issue.”
Drain Cleaner Chemicals
If you've noticed your toilet flushing more slowly or your sink draining at a sluggish pace, you may have considered using chemical drain cleaners to clear them up. After all, that's what they're designed for, right? Not so fast, warns Uribe.
“Many chemicals marketed as effective drain cleaners can actually damage parts of your plumbing system. If these chemicals eat away at your pipes, they could lead to leaks or flooding,” Uribe explains. “While these easy-to-use, pour-and-forget products seem convenient, they often end up causing more harm than good.”
Dental Floss
Although dental floss is thin, it's highly effective for cleaning your teeth, it can wreak havoc on your plumbing. It can easily become stuck in your pipes and remain there permanently.
“If this happens, it could trap other debris behind it, ultimately forming a blockage,” Uribe says. “Imagine it like a beaver dam—small twigs, sticks, and natural fibers create a strong structure, and synthetic materials can do the same in your pipes.”
Toys (and Other Sneaky Additions From Kids)
You’d never encourage your kids to flush toys down the toilet, but it happens more often than you might think, Hudelson says. It’s important to teach children about the risks of flushing objects early on.
“Parents sometimes don’t realize how much kids enjoy throwing things in the toilet just to see them disappear. From toy soldiers to Buzz Lightyear and even a doorstop or two, children love to toss things in without understanding the high cost of calling a plumber,” Hudelson explains.
“We once had a case where a two-year-old flushed bars of soap down the toilet. We had to remove the toilet and literally cut the soap out. At first, we thought we might have to replace the entire toilet, but we were able to save it,” Hudelson recalls.
Really, Anything That Doesn't Break Down
Plumbers also advise against flushing medications, cooking oils and grease, cat litter, cigarette butts, household cleaners, paint, cotton balls, cotton swabs, and more. The rule of thumb? Anything beyond human waste and a standard roll of toilet paper should never be flushed.
“These items don’t dissolve,” says Hudelson. “Before you know it, you’ll be facing a major clog in your plumbing system.”
