Flushing the wrong items down the toilet can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, leading to clogged pipes, damaged drains, and even environmental harm.
While flushing down the toilet may seem like a convenient way to dispose of certain items, many things are simply not designed to break down in water. Here's a detailed guide to 17 items you should never flush down the toilet and how to dispose of them instead.
1. Baby wipes
Why not?
Baby wipes, including those labelled as 'flushable wipes,' don’t break down like toilet paper. They’re made of durable fibres that resist tearing, meaning they can easily block pipes, cause backups, and even damage septic systems.
Over time, flushing baby wipes can create significant plumbing issues, leading to expensive repairs.
What to do instead:
After using wet wipes, including baby wipes, throw them in the bin. Keeping a small bin in the bathroom can make it easier to dispose of them properly and prevent costly blockages.
2. Cosmetic wipes
Why not?
Cosmetic wipes are made of non-biodegradable materials that don’t dissolve in toilet water. Flushing them not only risks clogging your pipes but also contributes to environmental damage, as they often end up in waterways.
These wipes are responsible for a significant portion of waste that damages marine life.
What to do instead:
Dispose of cosmetic wipes in the bin to keep your plumbing system clear and protect the environment.
3. Paper towels
Why not?
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels absorb water and are designed to hold their strength when wet. They don’t break down in water and can easily accumulate in your plumbing system, causing stubborn blockages.
Over time, this can lead to water damage and a need for professional plumbing services.
What to do instead:
Toss used paper towels in the bin. If you're cleaning with paper towels, consider switching to reusable cloths to reduce waste.
4. Tampons and sanitary pads
Why not?
Feminine products are specifically designed to absorb liquid rather than disintegrate in water.
If you flush tampons or pads, it can cause blockages that can impact not just your pipes but the broader plumbing and sewage systems. In septic tanks, these products can linger for years, causing ongoing issues.
What to do instead:
Wrap used tampons and sanitary pads in toilet paper and place them in a normal bin or sanitary bin. Many public toilets provide these bins for convenience.
5. Condoms
Why not?
Condoms are made of latex or similar non-biodegradable materials, which means they won’t dissolve in water.
Flushing them can lead to blocked pipes and potential environmental harm when they make their way into water systems.
What to do instead:
Wrap used condoms in tissue and throw them in the bin. Never flush them, as they can cause problems for the next person using your toilet.
6. Dental floss
Why not?
Dental floss is small but mighty when it comes to causing blockages. It’s often made of nylon or Teflon, which doesn’t break down in water.
Worse, it can wrap around other debris, creating a tangled mess that’s extremely difficult to remove.
What to do instead:
Dispose of dental floss in the bin to prevent unnecessary strain on your plumbing system.
7. Chewing gum
Why not?
Chewing gum is sticky, doesn’t dissolve in water, and can cling to pipes and other debris in your plumbing.
Over time, this sticky mess can solidify and block your pipes completely, which is why you should never flush chewing gum.
What to do instead:
To keep your plumbing system running smoothly, always throw chewing gum in the bin and avoid flushing it.
8. Cat litter
Why not?
Even 'flushable' cat litter isn’t safe to send down the toilet. It absorbs water and forms clumps that can block pipes.
Worse, cat litter often contains harmful bacteria that can contaminate water supplies and damage marine life.
What to do instead:
Cat litter can be disposed of in a sealed bag and thrown in the bin. This method is much safer for your plumbing and the environment.
9. Cigarette butts
Why not?
Cigarette butts are made of non-biodegradable plastic fibres and contain toxic chemicals like nicotine and tar.
When flushed, these chemicals can leach into water systems, harming marine life and contaminating the water supply.
What to do instead:
Extinguish cigarette butts safely and dispose of them in the bin.
10. Cotton pads/cotton buds
Why not?
Cotton products don’t break down in water and often expand as they absorb water. This makes them highly likely to block pipes and cause plumbing damage.
What to do instead:
Throw cotton pads and buds in the bin to avoid clogs and keep your plumbing system in good shape.
11. Nappies
Why not?
Nappies are too large to flush and designed to absorb water, which means they expand and create an instant blockage.
Flushing a nappy can also damage your septic system, causing long-term issues.
What to do instead:
Dispose of nappies in a dedicated bin, wrapping them securely in a bag first to contain any mess.
12. Hair
Why not?
Hair clumps together and doesn’t break down in water.
When flushed, it can easily tangle with other debris, leading to significant blockages in your pipes.
What to do instead:
Throw hair from brushes or drains into the bin to prevent it from entering your plumbing system.
13. Medication
Why not?
Flushing medication introduces toxic chemicals into the water supply. These substances can harm marine life and contaminate drinking water sources, posing a major risk to public health.
What to do instead:
Return unused medication to your local pharmacy or hazardous waste disposal facility for safe disposal if you can.
If you need to dispose of them at home, pour them into a bag, seal it, and put the bag in the bin.
14. Cooking grease or oil
Why not?
Don't be fooled by fats, oils, and grease's liquid form when cooking. These ingredients solidify as they cool, sticking to the inside of pipes and forming blockages that are difficult to remove.
Over time, this can cause water damage and unpleasant odours.
What to do instead:
Let cooking grease cool, pour it into a sealed container, and throw it in the bin.
15. Plasters
Why not?
Plasters are made from non-biodegradable materials that can block drains and take years to decompose.
What to do instead:
Dispose of plasters in the bin after use to protect your plumbing and the environment.
16. Paint
Why not?
Even water-based paints contain hazardous chemicals that, when mixed with other substances in plumbing, can damage pipes, contaminate the water supply, and release toxic fumes.
What to do instead:
Take leftover paint to a hazardous waste disposal site or dedicated paint drop-off site to ensure safe handling.
17. Pet fish
Why not?
Flushing a deceased pet fish down the toilet may seem like a harmless way to say goodbye, but it’s not the best choice for your plumbing or the environment.
Fish can clog pipes and may introduce harmful bacteria or diseases into water systems.
What to do instead:
Give your pet fish a proper burial in your garden, or consider contacting a vet or pet store for guidance on environmentally safe disposal methods.
What can you safely flush down the toilet in the UK?
In the UK, only two things belong in your toilet: toilet paper and human waste. Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down quickly in water, preventing blockages and keeping the plumbing system running smoothly.
Flushing anything else, even items labelled as 'flushable,' can clog pipes, harm septic systems, or cause serious environmental issues by polluting water supplies and marine life. Always use a bin for anything that doesn’t meet the flushable criteria.
Can you flush bleach?
Flushing small amounts of bleach diluted with water is generally safe, as it breaks down quickly in wastewater systems.
However, pouring large quantities of bleach down the toilet can damage the pipes due to its extremely corrosive nature. It can also disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in septic tanks, which are essential for breaking down waste.
Always use bleach sparingly and consider alternatives for cleaning your toilet.
Do you need help from a professional plumber?
If items you shouldn't flush down the toilet have already been flushed, you may need professional help. Contact a qualified plumber at JustFix, the home of high-quality service and affordable prices.
When you book online with us or via the JustFix app, we'll match you with a trusted local plumber who can come and resolve blockages, leaks, and other plumbing emergencies at a time that suits you.
Whether you need a plumber in London, a plumber in Essex, or a plumber somewhere else in the country, we have someone for the job.
For more DIY tips and tricks, see our helpful guides on topics like how to increase shower pressure and how to get rid of mould in your bathroom.
