At Absolute Best Plumbing, we offer expert toilet repair and installation services to residents of Central Florida and surrounding areas. Whether it’s a new installation or an emergency toilet backup, our experienced team is ready to help. In addition to our professional services, we also offer preventative advice to help our customers avoid common (and costly) plumbing mistakes — like flushing the wrong items down the toilet.

We understand that clogged toilets are more than just an inconvenience — they can disrupt your day, damage your pipes, and lead to expensive repairs. While we’re always happy to help you with a clogged toilet, we believe prevention is the best approach.

Here’s a list of the absolute worst things you should never flush down your toilet — no matter how tempting it may be:

1. Hair

You may be used to pulling hair out of your shower drain, but flushing it down the toilet is just as bad — maybe worse. Hair doesn’t dissolve in water; instead, it clumps together and forms dense tangles inside your pipes. Over time, this can lead to severe blockages that are tough to dislodge without professional help.

2. Bathroom Wipes (Even the “Flushable” Kind)

While alternate bathroom wipes offer that clean, fresh feeling, they pose a major risk to your plumbing. Most wipes marketed as “flushable” do not break down like toilet paper. Instead, they linger in your pipes, leading to build-up and blockages. These wipes are one of the leading causes of residential toilet clogs.

3. Cotton Balls and Cotton Swabs

Cotton items may seem soft and harmless, but once flushed, they absorb water and expand. They also don’t break down, which means they can lodge themselves deep in your pipes. Over time, this creates the perfect storm for a clog — especially when combined with other debris.

4. Paper Towels

Paper towels are designed to be tough and absorbent, which makes them useful for cleaning — but terrible for plumbing. Unlike toilet paper, paper towels do not disintegrate in water. They retain their strength and bulk, increasing the likelihood of pipe blockages.

5. Dental Floss

Dental floss might seem too small to cause problems, but its strength and texture are part of the issue. When flushed, floss doesn’t break apart — instead, it can wrap around other debris, acting like a net. This can trap items in your pipes and lead to stubborn clogs.

6. Feminine Hygiene Products

Products like tampons and sanitary pads are designed to absorb liquid — which means they expand significantly when flushed. They are not meant to be disposed of through plumbing systems and can quickly block pipes and septic tanks.

7. Kitty Litter

Even if the label says it’s flushable, kitty litter can harden in your pipes and cause major clogs. Clay-based litter is especially harmful, as it clumps when wet. Keep a sealed bag in your bathroom trash can for pet waste instead.

8. Medication

Flushing expired or unused medications might seem like a safe disposal method, but it can have a harmful environmental impact. Trace chemicals from medications can contaminate groundwater and affect local ecosystems. Instead, take unused meds to a pharmacy disposal site or local hazardous waste event.

9. Grease and Cooking Oil

Although it’s more common to pour grease down the kitchen sink, some people mistakenly flush it instead. Just like in your sink, grease can solidify in your plumbing system, coating the inside of your pipes and trapping other waste.

10. Diapers and Baby Wipes

Diapers are designed to hold a lot of moisture — which means they expand significantly. Flushing them is a quick route to a serious blockage. Baby wipes are another common culprit and should always be disposed of in the trash, no matter what the packaging claims.

What Should You Flush?

To keep your toilet — and your entire plumbing system — running smoothly, remember this simple rule:

Only flush the 3 Ps: Pee, Poop, and (toilet) Paper.

Everything else belongs in the trash.

Dealing With a Clogged Toilet? We’re Here to Help

No matter how careful you are, plumbing issues can still arise — and when they do, you can count on Absolute Best Plumbing. We provide expert toilet repair, clog removal, and full toilet installation services throughout Central Florida. Our trained technicians are equipped with the tools and experience to fix your problem quickly and effectively.