10 Things You Should NEVER Flush in the Toilet

Flushing the toilet is a daily routine that most of us take for granted because it’s practically automatic; it’s also easy to assume that anything that fits in the bowl can be safely flushed away. However, this is far from the truth. Indeed, many commonly-flushed items can cause significant plumbing problems and environmental harm. They can block pipes, damage wastewater treatment systems, and pollute waterways.

Understanding why certain items should never be flushed is crucial for maintaining a healthy plumbing system and protecting our environment. We here at Mains Plumbers—the plumbers Dunedin residents trust—have a list of things that you shouldn’t dispose of using your plumbing system. 

1. Wet Wipes

Wet wipes, including those labelled as "flushable," are a major culprit when it comes to toilet blockages. Unlike toilet paper, wet wipes do not disintegrate when flushed. Instead, they remain intact and can cause significant clogs in both household pipes and public sewage systems. These wipes often combine with other debris to form large masses known as "fatbergs," which can be incredibly difficult and expensive to remove. To avoid plumbing issues and protect the sewage system, always dispose of wet wipes in the rubbish bin.

2. Paper Towels and Tissues

Paper towels and tissues are designed to be more durable than toilet paper. While this makes them excellent for cleaning up spills, it also means they don't break down easily when flushed. When these items enter the sewage system, they can quickly accumulate and cause blockages. Instead of flushing them, throw paper towels and tissues in the bin to keep your plumbing clear.

3. Sanitary Products

Sanitary products such as tampons and pads are designed to absorb moisture and expand, which makes them highly likely to cause blockages when flushed down the toilet. Once in the plumbing system, they can obstruct pipes and damage pumps at wastewater treatment facilities. To dispose of sanitary products properly, wrap them in toilet paper or their original packaging and place them in a designated sanitary bin.

4. Cotton Buds and Cotton Balls

While they may seem small and harmless, cotton buds and cotton balls can cause significant problems when flushed. These items do not break down in water and can easily become lodged in pipes, contributing to blockages. Additionally, they often end up in rivers and oceans, where they can harm marine life. Always dispose of cotton buds and cotton balls in the rubbish bin.

5. Hair

Hair is notorious for causing plumbing problems. When flushed down the toilet, the strands can bind with grease and other substances in the pipes. These can turn into tough clogs, which can be difficult to remove and may require professional plumbing services. At worst, you may have to replace parts of your plumbing system. To avoid these issues, always throw hair in the rubbish bin instead of flushing it.

7. Medication

Flushing medication is not only harmful to your plumbing but also to the environment. Pharmaceuticals can pass through sewage treatment plants and enter waterways, where they can affect aquatic life and contaminate drinking water supplies. Instead of flushing them, take expired or unused medications to a pharmacy that offers a take-back program or follow local guidelines for proper disposal.

8. Condoms

Condoms are made from latex, a material that does not break down in water. When flushed, condoms can cause blockages in the plumbing system and may also end up in waterways, contributing to pollution. Just like sanitary products, dispose of condoms responsibly by wrapping them in tissue or their original packaging and placing them in the rubbish bin.

Condoms are made from latex, a material that does not break down in water. Thus, when flushed, condoms can cause blockages in the plumbing system and may also end up polluting waterways. So aside from planning to Netflix and chill responsibly, make sure to have a gameplan for disposing of used rubber properly. Fortunately, you can do this easily by wrapping them in tissue or their original packaging and placing them in the rubbish bin.

9. Nappies

Nappies are too large and do not break down in water, making them a guaranteed source of blockages. To prevent significant plumbing issues and disrupting sewage treatment processes, always dispose of diapers properly by dumping the contents into the toilet when applicable and then wrapping them up before throwing them into the bin. 

10. Cigarette Butts

Cigarette butts contain a variety of harmful chemicals and do not decompose quickly. When flushed, they can cause blockages and introduce toxins into the water system. These toxins can harm aquatic life and contribute to water pollution. To dispose of cigarette butts properly, extinguish them and place them in a designated bin.

Why People Think It's Okay to Flush These Items and How to Overcome This Misconception

Many people flush these above-mentioned items because of misleading labels, convenience, and a lack of awareness. Products labelled as "flushable" can give a false sense of security, suggesting they are safe for plumbing and the environment. Additionally, the convenience of flushing can lead people to ignore proper disposal methods. It’s important to educate yourself and others about the potential damage caused by flushing inappropriate items. Always remember that toilets are designed for human waste and toilet paper only, which means any other item must be disposed of in the rubbish bin or through specific methods. This way, you can help protect your plumbing system and the environment.

If you need further tips on how to properly care for the plumbing system of your residential or light commercial property in Dunedin, get in touch with Mains Plumbers. We offer emergency plumbing services in Dunedin, as well as an array of other plumbing services like gas fitting and industrial and commercial drainlaying. You can use the form on our Contact Us page or give us a call at 03-488-6000.