7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Perth Blocked Drains Plumber on 3 Dec 2025

Toilets are a common home appliance that we utilize every day. The temptation is to consider its utility as something we take for granted, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s a toilet, not a garbage can. There are certain items that shouldn’t go down the toilet because they can cause obstruction from the pipes or damage to sewer pipes.

Key Takeaways

  • Avoid flushing certain things into the toilet because they can cause blockages in the drain or the damage of sewer lines.
  • Seven household items that you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Cooking grease and oil
    • Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
    • Medical Treatment
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • Doing this can lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system. This can result in unimaginable expense to you.
  • Perth Blocked Drains Plumber offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services.

Seven household objects that you shouldn’t flush in the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes are a convenient option however, they do not dissolve like toilet paper. They can also clog your plumbing system. Throw them away in the trash instead.

2. Condoms

Flushing condoms down the toilet could cause blockages in both your plumbing system and the wastewater treatment plant.

3. Cooking grease and oil

Oil and grease must be removed from a container before throwing it away in the trash, as they will harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.

4. Produits for female hygiene

Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause troubles later on if they combine with other items to create a nasty blockage.

5. Medicines

Medications should never be flushed through the toilet, as they can contaminate our water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is created to be strong, which means it won’t fall apart when wet, which can lead to the possibility of clogging your pipes.

7. Paper towels

As opposed to toilet paper paper towels have a thicker weave, which will make them less likely to break down quickly when wet, which means they won’t easily blockage.

In conclusion, flushing any of these items can lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within your home’s plumbing system which will incur a huge cost to the homeowner. Be aware of the things you flush down the toilet.

Item Reason for not Flushing
Baby wipes Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
Condoms Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants.
Cooking grease and oil Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
Feminine hygiene products Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable".
Medications Can contaminate our water sources.
Dental floss Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes.
Paper towels Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do feminine hygiene products that are flushed cause damage to my pipes?

Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not break down in water and may cause blockages to your pipes or sewer system.

Are flushable wipes really flushable?

Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t necessarily break down quickly and could cause clogs to your pipes.

Can I put baby wipes in the toilet?

No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the toilet since they won’t dissolve easily and can cause blockages.

Are paper towels safe to flush?

No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper and don’t break down as easily, leading to the possibility of clogging in the plumbing system.

What are the implications of medications? Do I have to flush them through the toilet?

No. The toxins in medicines can affect our waterways. It’s vital to dispose the drugs in a proper manner, by bringing the containers to an appropriate drop-off point.

If you are dealing with a blocked drain, don’t delay in calling our professional plumbing service at Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We offer services to clear blocked drains drainage clearing, CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure your home is free of drain issues. Call us now to make an appointment.

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