What Not to Flush Down the Toilet: Save Your Pipes (and Your Wallet!)

It’s easy to treat your toilet like a trash can, flush it, and forget it, right? But doing so can lead to major plumbing issues, expensive repairs, and even damage to your local sewer system. Toilets are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. That’s it. Flushing anything else, even occasionally, can create blockages in your pipes, clog up the municipal sewer system, and harm the environment. Whether you’re at home, work, or managing a rental property, being mindful of what goes down the toilet is one of the simplest ways to prevent future plumbing disasters.

1. Wipes (Even the “Flushable” Kind)

This is one of the most common causes of modern plumbing issues. Many people assume that wipes labeled as "flushable" are safe, but the reality is that they don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they maintain their structure, get caught in pipes, and begin to form clumps that can cause serious blockages. These can be extremely difficult and expensive to remove. It's always safer to throw wipes in the trash, no matter what the label says.

2. Paper Towels and Facial Tissues

While toilet paper is specifically designed to dissolve quickly in water, paper towels and tissues are not. They are made to be more durable and absorbent, meaning they stay intact far longer and can easily create clogs in your pipes. A single paper towel might not seem like a big deal, but repeated flushing can cause buildup in your plumbing system. If you find yourself out of toilet paper, don’t reach for a paper towel as a substitute—it’s not worth the risk.

3. Feminine Hygiene Products

Tampons, sanitary pads, and other menstrual products are built to absorb liquid and expand, which makes them particularly hazardous to plumbing. Once flushed, these products can get stuck in bends and joints of the piping, and they don’t break down easily in water. Many major clogs that require emergency service calls start with one or two feminine products flushed down the toilet. Always wrap them up and throw them in the trash. It may not be pleasant, but it’s far better than a backed-up bathroom.

4. Cotton Balls, Swabs & Dental Floss

These items are small and seem harmless, but they can cause surprisingly large problems. Cotton balls and swabs don’t dissolve in water—they can clump together, catch on rough surfaces in the pipes, and trap other debris. Dental floss, while thin, acts like a string and can wrap around other materials in the pipes, forming a net that quickly collects more waste. This net effect is a hidden danger in plumbing systems and can result in major blockages over time.

5. Grease, Oil, and Fat

You might think it’s okay to pour used cooking oil or grease into the toilet instead of the sink, but it’s not okay for either. As grease cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of your pipes. Over time, it creates a thick, sticky layer that narrows the pipe’s diameter and traps other particles passing through. This not only causes slow drains and blockages but also contributes to fatbergs in the public sewer system. Instead, let the grease cool in a container and dispose of it in the trash.

9. Diapers

Diapers are one of the worst things you can flush down the toilet. They are bulky, made from materials that swell and hold moisture, and can easily get lodged in pipes. Even a single diaper can completely block a pipe and require emergency plumbing service. No part of a diaper—cloth, plastic, or biodegradable—belongs in your toilet.

Final Thoughts: Keep it Simple

The best rule to remember? If it’s not toilet paper or human waste, it shouldn’t go in the toilet. Keeping your pipes clear saves you time, money, and stress—and helps protect the environment, too. Teaching this to everyone in your home (including kids and guests) can prevent future plumbing emergencies.

Dealing with a Clog? Call the Pros.

If you’re experiencing slow flushing, gurgling sounds, or full-on blockages, don’t wait it out. Call Jason Mazzer Plumbing and let our expert team handle the dirty work. We’ll get your plumbing back in shape and give you tips to keep it that way.

Call us today at 201-615-6672 to schedule service.