7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers on 13 Dec 2025

The toilet is a ubiquitous fixture in the home that we use daily. There’s a tendency to accept the convenience of it as a given, but it’s crucial to remember that it’s not a trash can. There are certain things that should never to be flushed into the drain as they can cause blockage in the drain or damage to sewer pipes.

Key Takeaways

  • Be careful not to flush certain items in the toilet, as they could block the drain or damage to sewer pipes.
  • Seven household items that you shouldn’t to flush down the toilet are:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Oil and cooking grease
    • Products for female hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
    • Meds
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • Flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system, which will result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
  • Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.

Seven household objects you should never flush down the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes can be convenient but they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and could clog the plumbing in your home. Dispose of them in the trash instead.

2. Condoms

Flushing condoms down the toilet can cause blockages to both the plumbing in your home and wastewater treatment facilities.

3. The cooking grease and oil

Grease and oil must be disposed of in a container and thrown away in the garbage, since they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.

4. Female hygiene products

Tampons and sanitary pad are usually advertised to be "flushable, " but flushing them could cause trouble later on when they are combined with other items to form a nasty clog.

5. Medicines

The flushing of medications should not occur into the toilet as they could contaminate water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is designed to be tough so it won’t break apart in water, causing possible blockages in your pipes.

7. Paper towels

Unlike with toilet paper, the paper towels have a more dense weave that helps them to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, meaning they can easily blockage.

In the end, flushing any of the seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipelines within the plumbing system of your home, which will incur a huge price to the homeowner. Stay mindful of what you send 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

Does flushing feminine hygiene products actually harm my pipes?

Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not break down in water and can cause blockages in your sewer pipes.

Are flushable wipes actually flushable?

Yes, many "flushable" wipes do not necessarily break down quickly and can cause clogs in your pipes.

Can I wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?

No. Baby wipes should not be flushed down the drain because they don’t dissolve easily and can cause blockages.

Are paper towels suitable to flush?

No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they will not break down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.

What happens to medications? Can I flush those into the toilet?

No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways, which is why it’s important to dispose of them correctly by taking these to designated location for disposal.

If you’re dealing with an unblocking drain Do not delay in calling our professional plumbing assistance at Perth Blocked Drains Plumbers . We offer services to clear blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home isn’t impacted by plumbing issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

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