7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet

Posted by Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney on 23 Mar 2026

The toilet is a ubiquitous household fixture that we all use daily. There’s a tendency to accept the convenience of it as a given, 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 drain as they can cause blockage in the drain or damage the sewer pipe.

Key Takeaways

  • Avoid flushing certain things in the bathroom because they could cause blockages in the drain, or cause damages to the pipes.
  • Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
    • Baby wipes
    • Condoms
    • Cooking grease and oil
    • Products for female hygiene (tampons and sanitary pads)
    • Medications
    • Dental floss
    • Paper towels
  • The act of flushing any of these items can result in blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
  • Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney offers unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.

Seven household objects that you should never flush into the toilet.

1. Baby wipes

Baby wipes are a convenient option however they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and can clog water lines. Put them in the trash instead.

2. Condoms

Flushing condoms down the toilet can lead to blockages in both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment plants.

3. The cooking grease and oil

Oil and grease should be put in a container, and then disposed of in the trash, as they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains or pipes.

4. Feminine hygiene products

Tampons and sanitary pad are usually marketed as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause trouble later on when they join with other products to cause a terrible clog.

5. Medicines

Medications should never be flushed through the toilet, as they could contaminate water sources.

6. Dental floss

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

7. Paper towels

As opposed to toilet paper the paper towels have a more dense weave that means they are less likely to deteriorate quickly once they are wet. This means that they will not quickly cause blockages.

If you flush any of the seven items can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipes within your home’s plumbing system which can result in an unexpected price to you. Stay mindful of what 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.

Common Questions and Answers

Can flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?

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

Are flushable wipes really flushable?

No, many "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and could cause clogs to your pipes.

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

No. Baby wipes should not be flushed into the toilet since they won’t dissolve easily and could cause obstructions.

Are paper towels safe to flush?

No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper and aren’t broken down as quickly, causing the possibility of clogging your plumbing system.

What are the implications of medications? Do I have to flush them into the toilet?

No. Medications can contaminate our waterways. Therefore, it’s crucial to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking the containers to an appropriate location for disposal.

If you are dealing with blockage of your drain Do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing assistance for assistance at Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney . We provide unblocking blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to ensure that your home is not impacted by drainage problems. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Additional Information

Our 5 Star Service Promise to You

Sydney Drain Plumbing Services

Are you experiencing a clogged toilet, blocked shower drain, overflowing drains or an issue with your kitchen sink? We can help you sort out your drain blockage problem quickly and provide the following services:

  • CCTV Drain Inspections
  • Drain Clearing & Drain Cleanin
  • Drain Repairs
  • Pipe Relining
  • Blocked Stormwater Drains
  • Blocked Sewer Drains & Blocked Pipes
  • Blocked Sinks & Blocked Toilets
  • Clogged or Blocked Shower Drain

Clearing blocked drains can be difficult and it’s best to get a professional plumbing service involved to tackle it for you, To get your blocked drain in Sydney cleared today, contact Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney now and speak to one of our friendly team members.

8 Reasons To Hire Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney

  • 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days A Week
  • Price Up-Front, No Hidden Fees
  • Prices You Can Trust
  • Quality Workmanship Guaranteed
  • Great Reviews & Reputation
  • We’re Personable & Friendly
  • Experienced & Licenced Team
  • Get a Quote With No Obligation

We Provide 24/7 Emergency Plumbing

No one ever expects to experience a plumbing emergency, but when it does happen, you need a reliable plumbing service that can help you resolve the issue as quickly as possible.

At Blocked Drains Plumbing Sydney, we are always here for our customers, day or night, weekends or holidays. We understand that plumbing emergencies can happen at any time, and we are always prepared to help.

If you are experiencing a plumbing emergency, please do not hesitate to call us. We will dispatch one of our experienced plumbers to your home or business as soon as possible.

We will work diligently to resolve the issue and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible, contact us today.

Blocked Drains

Blocked Drains

Drain Inspection

Drain Inspection

Drain Cleaning

Drain Cleaning

Drain Repairs

Drain Repairs

About Us &

What We Do

When it comes to plumbing, you want to make sure you’re working with a qualified professional. At our company, we are licensed and insured professionals who are dedicated to providing quality plumbing services.

We’re here to help with all of your plumbing needs, such as blocked drains, CCTV drain inspections, drain repairs and pipe relining.

We understand that plumbing problems can be disruptive and expensive. That’s why we offer 24×7 emergency service, so you can get the help you need when you need it most.

We also have a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our work, so you can be confident that you’re making the best decision for your home.

Identify tree roots in your pipes with our cctv inspections and nabish them from your drains with our pip repairs and pipe relining.

Blocked Drain, CCTV Inspections & Pipe Relining
Make an Enquiry

Request a Quote

Fill out the form below to get in touch or call us today on
1300 870 298