Household Items Not to Flush Down the Toilet

Learn which common household items should never be flushed down the toilet to avoid costly plumbing emergencies.

Protect Your Plumbing

Flushing the wrong items down the toilet is one of the leading causes of severe clogs and sewer backups. Your toilet is only designed to handle human waste and toilet paper.

The "Do Not Flush" List

• "Flushable" Wipes: Despite the name, they do not break down quickly and often cause massive clogs in municipal sewer systems.
• Paper Towels & Tissues: These are designed to absorb water and stay strong, making them prime culprits for blockages.
• Feminine Hygiene Products: These products expand in water and should always be disposed of in the trash.
• Dental Floss & Q-tips: They can tangle with other debris and create stubborn knots in your pipes.
• Cat Litter: It clumps together when wet, creating a solid blockage.
• Hair: Similar to floss, it tangles and traps other debris.
• Medication: Flushing pills contaminates the water supply and harms aquatic life.

When in doubt, throw it out! Keep a small trash can next to the toilet to encourage proper disposal.