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Here’s the thing about toilets—they’re really only built for two things: human waste and toilet paper. That’s it. Everything else? That’s where trouble starts.
The problem is, flushing can feel like the easiest solution. Out of sight, out of mind. But in reality, certain items will hang around in your pipes, collect friends along the way, and eventually cause a clog big enough to make you call a plumber (and possibly apologize to your wallet).
So, let’s talk about the usual suspects—the stuff people flush all the time that ends up causing headaches, repairs, and even environmental damage.
1. “Flushable” Wipes — Yeah… Not Really
I know the packaging says flushable, but most wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. They’re tough, they take ages to decompose, and they tangle together to make giant pipe-blocking clumps. Some cities spend millions dealing with wipe-related blockages. The trash can is the better place for them—trust me.
2. Hair — The Silent Net in Your Pipes
One strand? No big deal. But hair loves to wrap around anything it finds in the pipes, creating a messy net that catches more debris. Over time, it’s basically a fishing net for clogs. A drain cover in the shower or bathroom sink can save you a lot of trouble.
3. Dental Floss — The Tiny Tangler
Dental floss seems harmless until you realize it’s basically unbreakable in water. It wraps around other debris, knots up, and can even help form those nasty sewer “fatbergs.” Toss it in the trash instead.
4. Cooking Grease — Clogs Waiting to Happen
Hot grease looks like liquid when you pour it down, but it cools and turns solid. That’s when it sticks to your pipes and narrows the space water has to flow through. Keep a jar for cooled grease and toss it in the garbage instead.
5. Cotton Swabs — Little Pipe Lodgers
They may be small, but once stuck in a bend of your pipes, they’re a perfect anchor for other gunk. Cotton doesn’t dissolve easily, and the plastic stick is basically permanent. The bin’s the way to go.
6. Feminine Hygiene Products — They Expand
Pads, tampons—anything designed to absorb liquid—is going to swell in your pipes. They don’t break down, and they cause some of the worst plumbing blockages. Wrap and toss them in the trash.
7. Paper Towels & Tissues — Not Toilet Paper
These are made to be sturdy when wet, which is exactly the opposite of what you want in your pipes. They’ll just sit there, soggy but intact, until they cause a clog. Trash can, please.
8. Medications — Bad for Pipes, Worse for Water
Flushing pills doesn’t just risk a clog—it sends chemicals into waterways where they can harm fish and other wildlife. Look for take-back programs at pharmacies, or follow the disposal instructions on the bottle.
9. Cat Litter — Clumping Trouble
Even the “flushable” kind is risky. It’s meant to absorb and clump—that’s literally the opposite of what you want in plumbing. Plus, it can carry bacteria harmful to water systems. Bag it and trash it.
10. Cigarette Butts — Tiny but Toxic
Not only do they clog, but they also leach chemicals into the water. They’re not biodegradable, so they’ll just sit in the pipes or sewer system. Use an ashtray, not the toilet.
11. Food Scraps — The Slow Pipe Filler
Flushing leftover pasta or bits of vegetables? Bad idea. Food doesn’t dissolve like waste does, and it can pile up in bends and joints. Compost if you can, or toss in the trash.
The Bottom Line
Your toilet isn’t a magic trash can. The easiest way to keep your plumbing happy is to stick to the basics—waste and toilet paper only. Everything else goes in the bin.
Your pipes, your plumber, and probably your bank account will thank you.