Modern plumbing systems make it easy to overlook a basic rule: only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed.

Everything else can lead to obstructions and costly damage. Below are items that must never be flushed.

Moist wipes
Do not flush moist wipes. Even those labelled “flushable” do not disintegrate properly.

They accumulate in pipes and create stubborn blockages – Place them in the bin instead.

Sanitary products
Tampons and sanitary pads should never enter the toilet.

They swell when wet and obstruct plumbing lines – Always discard them in a waste bin.

Paper towels and facial tissues
These products are not designed to break down in water.

Unlike toilet paper, they retain their structure and cause drainage issues – Dispose of them in the rubbish.

Cotton pads and earbuds
Cotton-based items remain intact in water.

Over time, they gather in pipes and restrict flow – Throw them away rather than flushing.

Dental floss
Floss is durable and non-degradable. It wraps around debris inside pipes and traps other waste, forming blockages.

Hair strands
Hair easily intertwines and forms dense clumps.

These combine with other waste and obstruct drainage – Use a drain cover and dispose of collected hair in the bin.

Cooking fats and oils
Grease and oil solidify as they cool. They adhere to pipe walls and gradually build up, leading to severe blockages.

Allow them to cool and dispose of them in a sealed container.

Medicinal products
Do not flush medicines – They can contaminate water systems.

Return them to a pharmacy or approved disposal point.

Cat litter material
Cat litter does not dissolve in water.

It quickly causes pipe obstructions – Always dispose of it in household waste.