What Can and Cannot Be Flushed Down the Toilet: A Guide for Homeowners

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What Can Be Flushed Down the Toilet?

The toilet is a convenient way to dispose of waste, but it’s not a garbage disposal. Not everything that can fit down the toilet should be flushed. In this article, we’ll discuss what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet, and why it’s important to be careful about what you put in there.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep your toilet running smoothly and avoid clogs. So if you’re ever wondering whether or not something can be flushed down the toilet, read on for the answer!

| What Can Be Flushed Down The Toilet? | Yes | No |
|—|—|—|
| Toilet paper | Yes | No |
| Solid waste | Yes | No |
| Liquid waste | Yes | No |
| Paper towels | No | Yes |
| Feminine hygiene products | No | Yes |
| Dental floss | No | Yes |
| Q-tips | No | Yes |

What Can Be Flushed Down the Toilet?

Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed down the toilet. Solid human waste, pee, and other liquids are also okay to flush. However, there are a number of things that should not be flushed down the toilet, as they can cause clogs and other problems.

Toilet paper

Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed down the toilet. It is designed to dissolve in water and not cause clogs. Other types of paper, such as paper towels, facial tissue, and napkins, should not be flushed down the toilet. They can cause clogs and also damage the septic system.

Solid human waste

Solid human waste, also known as fecal matter, is another thing that should be flushed down the toilet. It is made up of water, bacteria, and other organic matter. When it is flushed down the toilet, it is carried away by the sewer system and eventually treated at a wastewater treatment plant.

Pee

Pee is also a liquid that should be flushed down the toilet. It is made up of water, urea, and other dissolved salts. When it is flushed down the toilet, it is carried away by the sewer system and eventually treated at a wastewater treatment plant.

Other liquids

Other liquids that can be flushed down the toilet include water, milk, and juice. These liquids are all water-based and will not cause clogs. However, it is important to avoid flushing large amounts of liquid down the toilet at once, as this can also cause clogs.

What Can’t Be Flushed Down the Toilet?

There are a number of things that should not be flushed down the toilet, as they can cause clogs and other problems. These include:

  • Tampons
  • Pads
  • Diapers
  • Q-tips
  • Paper towels
  • Grease
  • Food scraps

Tampons

Tampons should not be flushed down the toilet. They are made of materials that do not dissolve in water, and they can cause clogs in the sewer system. If you flush a tampon down the toilet, it is likely to end up in a wastewater treatment plant, where it can be difficult to remove.

Pads

Like tampons, pads should not be flushed down the toilet. They are made of materials that do not dissolve in water, and they can cause clogs in the sewer system. If you flush a pad down the toilet, it is likely to end up in a wastewater treatment plant, where it can be difficult to remove.

Diapers

Diapers should not be flushed down the toilet. They are made of materials that do not dissolve in water, and they can cause clogs in the sewer system. If you flush a diaper down the toilet, it is likely to end up in a wastewater treatment plant, where it can be difficult to remove.

Q-tips

Q-tips should not be flushed down the toilet. They are made of small, thin pieces of cotton that can easily clog the sewer system. If you flush a Q-tip down the toilet, it is likely to end up in a wastewater treatment plant, where it can be difficult to remove.

Paper towels

Paper towels should not be flushed down the toilet. They are made of materials that do not dissolve in water, and they can cause clogs in the sewer system. If you flush a paper towel down the toilet, it is likely to end up in a wastewater treatment plant, where it can be difficult to remove.

Grease

Grease should not be flushed down the toilet. It is a type of fat that does not dissolve in water, and it can cause clogs in the sewer system. If you flush grease down the toilet, it is likely to end up in a wastewater treatment plant, where it can be difficult to remove.

Food scraps

Food scraps should not be flushed down the toilet. They can contain a variety of materials, including bones, meat, and vegetables, that can clog the sewer system. If you flush food scraps down the toilet, it is likely to end up in a wastewater treatment plant, where it can be difficult to remove.

Only flush toilet paper, solid human waste, pee, and other liquids down the toilet. Do not flush anything else down the toilet, as it can cause clogs and other problems. If you are not sure whether something can be flushed down the toilet, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.

What Can Be Flushed Down The Toilet?

The toilet is a convenient way to dispose of waste, but it’s important to know what can and cannot be flushed down the drain. Some items, such as paper towels, diapers, and feminine hygiene products, can clog your pipes and cause other problems.

Here is a list of items that can be flushed down the toilet:

  • Toilet paper
  • Urine
  • Feces
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Dental floss
  • Q-tips
  • Coffee grounds
  • Hair
  • Small pieces of food

Items that should not be flushed down the toilet

The following items should not be flushed down the toilet, as they can clog your pipes and cause other problems:

  • Paper towels
  • Diapers
  • Tampons
  • Pads
  • Wet wipes
  • Grease
  • Oil
  • Paint
  • Chemicals
  • Medications
  • Food scraps

If you’re not sure whether an item can be flushed down the toilet, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.

How to Flush the Toilet Properly

To flush the toilet properly, follow these steps:

1. Don’t overfill the toilet bowl. When you flush the toilet, the water should just cover the contents of the bowl. If you overfill the bowl, it can cause the water to overflow and damage your floor.
2. Break up large pieces of waste before flushing. If you have a large piece of waste, such as a wad of paper towels, break it up into smaller pieces before flushing. This will help to prevent the piece from clogging your pipes.
3. Flush the toilet only when it’s necessary. Don’t flush the toilet every time you use it. Only flush the toilet when you’ve used the bathroom and there is waste in the bowl.
4. Use a plunger to clear a clogged toilet. If your toilet becomes clogged, you can try to clear it using a plunger. To do this, place the plunger over the drain and push and pull the plunger several times. This should help to loosen the clog and allow the water to drain.

What to Do If You Flush Something Down the Toilet That Shouldn’t Have Been Flushed

If you accidentally flush something down the toilet that shouldn’t have been flushed, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to try to fix the problem.

1. Call a plumber to fix the clog. If the clog is severe, you may need to call a plumber to fix it. A plumber will be able to use specialized tools to clear the clog and get your toilet working properly again.
2. Use a plunger to try to clear the clog yourself. If the clog is not severe, you can try to clear it yourself using a plunger. To do this, place the plunger over the drain and push and pull the plunger several times. This should help to loosen the clog and allow the water to drain.
3. Try using a chemical drain cleaner to clear the clog. If the plunger does not work, you can try using a chemical drain cleaner to clear the clog. Be sure to follow the directions on the product label carefully.
4. If all else fails, you may need to replace the toilet. If you have tried all of the above methods and the clog is still not cleared, you may need to replace the toilet. Replacing the toilet is a more expensive option, but it may be necessary if the clog is severe.

The toilet is a convenient way to dispose of waste, but it’s important to know what can and cannot be flushed down the drain. By following these tips, you can help to keep your toilet working properly and avoid any unnecessary problems.

What Can Be Flushed Down The Toilet?

Q: What can I flush down the toilet?

A: You can flush the following items down the toilet:

  • Toilet paper
  • Pee
  • Poop
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Dental floss
  • Q-tips
  • Paper towels
  • Paper plates
  • Coffee grounds
  • Pet hair
  • Non-toxic household cleaners
  • Baby wipes

**Q: What can’t I flush down the toilet?

A: You should not flush the following items down the toilet:

  • Grease
  • Oil
  • Paint
  • Medicine
  • Chemicals
  • Food
  • Diapers
  • Tampons
  • Sanitary napkins
  • Cigarette butts
  • Animal waste
  • Large objects

**Q: What happens if I flush something down the toilet that shouldn’t be flushed?

A: If you flush something down the toilet that shouldn’t be flushed, it can cause a number of problems, including:

  • Clogging the toilet
  • Damaging the plumbing
  • Polluting the environment
  • Creating a health hazard

**Q: How can I prevent flushing something down the toilet that shouldn’t be flushed?

A: To prevent flushing something down the toilet that shouldn’t be flushed, you can do the following:

  • Read the labels on products to see if they can be flushed.
  • Use the trash or recycling bin for items that cannot be flushed.
  • Be careful not to drop small objects into the toilet.
  • Flush the toilet only when it is full.

**Q: Where can I find more information about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet?

A: You can find more information about what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet by visiting the following websites:

  • [The United States Environmental Protection Agency](https://www.epa.gov/water-pollution/flushable-products-what-you-need-know)
  • [The National Association of Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors](https://www.phcc.org/plumbing-basics/what-can-and-cannot-be-flushed-down-the-toilet)
  • [The American Society of Plumbing Engineers](https://www.aspe.org/technical-articles/what-can-and-cannot-be-flushed-toilet)

    there are a few things that can be flushed down the toilet without causing any problems. These include human waste, toilet paper, and some types of feminine hygiene products. However, there are also a number of things that should not be flushed down the toilet, as they can clog pipes or cause other problems. These include diapers, cat litter, and grease. It is important to be aware of what can and cannot be flushed down the toilet in order to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.