7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers on 10 Nov 2025

Toilets are a typical fixture in our homes that we are using every day. It’s easy to take its convenience for granted, but it’s vital to remember that it’s not a garbage can. There are some things that should never ever be flushed away down the toilet because they can cause obstruction inside the sewer or damage the sewer pipe.

Key Takeaways

  • Do not flush certain things into the toilet because they could cause blockages in the drain or damages to the pipes.
  • Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the drain are:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Oil and cooking oil, as well as cooking grease
    • Female hygiene products (tampons and sanitary pads)
    • Medications
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • Flushing any of these items can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes within your plumbing system. This will come at an expense that is unimaginable to you.
  • Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers offers unblocking blocked drains drainage clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services.

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

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes might seem useful however, they do not break down like toilet paper. They can also clog pipes. Throw them away in the garbage instead.

2. Condoms

The flushing of condoms in the toilet can lead to blockages in both your home’s plumbing and wastewater treatment facilities.

3. cooking grease and oil

Grease and oil must be removed from a container, then thrown in the garbage, since they will harden and cause blockages in your drains and pipes.

4. Feminine hygiene products

Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them can cause problems later when they join with other products and cause a blockage.

5. Medicines

Medicines should not be flushed down the toilet because they can be a source of contamination for water sources.

6. Dental floss

Dental floss is created to be tough, which means it won’t split when wet, which can lead to the possibility of blockages to your pipes.

7. Paper towels

Contrary to toilet paper papers have a stronger weave that means they are less likely to deteriorate quickly once they’re wet. They can easily cause blockages.

If you flush one of these seven things will eventually lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes in your plumbing system that will result in a significant cost to the homeowner. Be mindful of the items you pour down your 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.

FAQ

Can flushing feminine hygiene products cause damage to my pipes?

Yes. The products used to clean your female hygiene don’t disintegrate in water, and could block your sewer pipes.

Are flushable wipes really flushable?

Yes, many "flushable" wipes don’t actually break down easily and may cause clogs in your pipes.

Can I flush baby wipes down the toilet?

No. Baby wipes should never be flushed down the drain since they won’t dissolve well and can cause obstructions.

Are paper towels suitable to flush?

No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they don’t break down so easily, resulting in possible clogs in your plumbing system.

What happens to medications? Should I flush them down the toilet?

No. Medicines can be harmful to our waterways. It’s vital to dispose them in a safe manner by taking them to a designated drop-off location.

If you find yourself dealing with an unblocking drain, don’t hesitate to call our professional plumbing assistance via Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbers . We offer unblocking blocked drains and drain clearing CCTV drain inspection and pipe relining services to ensure your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Call us now to make an appointment.

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