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What Can Safely Go Down Your Toilet?

Toilets are an essential part of your daily life and your plumbing system.

May 05, 2026
What Can Safely Go Down Your Toilet?

Toilets are an essential part of your daily life and your plumbing system. It is an incredible convenience for you. However, many people keep forgetting that they are designed only to get rid of human waste, not other objects. Therefore, you should avoid flushing certain objects for the sake of your plumbing system. Your pipes are narrower than you think, so even the smallest of objects can cause serious plumbing issues. Eventually, you will need to hire a professional to snake the clog. In this article, we will go over what can safely go down your toilet and what you should avoid flushing. 

What Can You Flush Down The Toilet?

Waste: You can safely flush human waste because that’s what the toilet is essentially for. It doesn’t pose any risks.

Our Customers Reviews

Larry R.

Howell Township, NJ

It was a late Saturday night. We had a super stubborn clog in some old galvanized pipes. Mr. Rooter send out Phil. Phil was great! He found the problem pretty quick. With determination and professionalism he final got it cleared out. I would recommend Mr. Rooter and Phil to anyone! He even cleaned up. We are so happy we choose Mr. Rooter!

Rose Bernard

Red Bank, NJ

We had a plumbing emergency and found Mr. Rooter while frantically searching for a 24-hour plumber. We feel like we hit a gold mine. Not only did we get a timely response. Everyone at Mr. Rooter was friendly, professional, competent and went above and beyond. Our plumber, Phil, was extremely helpful and gave us tips we could use moving firwars. Not to mention, the cost was extremely reasonable.

Joseph Chis

Hillsborough, NJ

Had sewer water backup in toilet and tub. Received callback as promised and arrived early. The tech determined we needed the main line to be cleared. He quickly located the opening and had us cleared in minutes. Very happy with the service. I was not prepared for the fee but it was an emergency.

Christopher Cox

Little Silver Township

Plumber, Phil, came out on short notice on a Saturday night and fixed our issue quickly, professionally and courteously. I contacted a different, well known plumbing company right before Mr. Rooter. The receptionist was rude and they didn’t call me back to say they couldn’t make it until after Phil left! The Mr. Rooter receptionist was very nice and they called me back quickly. I’m glad they did.

Debbie Dimitrion

Colts Neck, NJ

I just wanted to say James did a great job at my house. Excellent service, professional and very nice. Thank you so much for helping me with my plumbing problem. Did wonderful job.

Rachel Turunen

Jackson Township

I was very happy that I went with Mr. Rooter’s. The service was very quick and up front. Jessie James was very helpful answering my questions and replacing my hot water heater. He was pleasurable to do business with. If another problem arises in my home, I will be using this company again.

William Holden

Brick Township, NJ

A thorough, professional, pleasant experience. I had a back-up in the 50 year-old pipes of my new home. I called Mr. Rooter to have them locate the blockage, snake the line, and then use their video snake to get a visual of the integrity of the pipes. I’m glad that I called and will use them again for future needs.

LarJ MarJ

Oakhurst, NJ

You get what you pay for. Edwin Robles of Central NJ educated me as a 1st time homebuyer on why and what he was repairing, prevention, PROMPT,(on a sunday at that!) clean, knowledgeable, super professional but DOWN TO EARTH and at a REASONABLE PRICE! Sewer pipes unclogged and main water line fixed. I was no longer crying once job was thoroughly executed. After all $#@* $tinks but somebody has to do it and I HIGHLY recommend him and this company for a job well done. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!

Margie Rafferty-Criscione

Ocean Township

Absolutely lovely office staff! I always knew when the repair person was coming. Lorenzo our repair guy was awesome, I really don't think there is anything he can't do. He looks young, but don't let that fool you! So happy all the repairs are behind us. We really just did a one-stop shopping and decided to have everything we've put off fixed because it was such a tremendous experience!

What Can Safely Go Down Your Toilet?

Toilet paper: toilet paper is specifically designed to dissolve quickly in your plumbing system. So, they are mostly safe to use. However, large amounts of toilet paper can still pose risks for your plumbing system.

Not All Toilet Paper Is the Same

It is important to mention that not every toilet paper has the same effect on your plumbing system. As you already would know, toilet papers differ from one another immensely in terms of quality and texture. Although many people prefer soft and thick types of toilet paper, these qualities make it harder for them to break down in the system.

Items You Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet

Tissues and paper towels

When we are out of toilet paper, our natural tendency is to reach for paper towels or tissues. However, these substitutes aren’t practical at all. That’s because tissues and paper towels are designed to collect water, not to dissolve in it. So, they can clog your pipes very easily. In conclusion, always throw paper towels and tissues into the trash and never flush them down your toilet.

Flushable Wipes

Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the fact that flushable wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet despite what the package says. They don’t dissolve in the water quickly and can you’re your pipes easily because of this. So, do not be deceived by what the package is saying and throw these wipes in the trash.

Dental Floss

Dental floss seems like a very harmless product compared to tissues and paper towels. However, normal floss is comprised of Nylon or Teflon. These products can form large balls and will clog your pipes. So, do not flush them down the toilet.

Cotton Balls and Swabs

Another deceiving product is cotton balls and swabs. They seem like very harmless things to flush down but they can cause big trouble for your plumbing system. After being flushed, they accumulate because they don’t degrade in the water and eventually will lead to clogs and may even break some pipes.

Pills

Pills, in the form of tablets or capsules, can clog your pipes. Remember that a secure way of disposing of the pills is to bring them to your pharmacy. 

Bandages

Most bandages are made of plastic that can’t degrade. So, flushing them down the toilet will contaminate water systems. In addition, since they have sticky parts, they may stick to other objects that are flushed down and will even make a bigger clog. Always throw your bandages in the trash can.

Need Help With Your Plumbing System?

Did your toilet clog? Normally, with the help of a plunger, you can fix a small clog. However, if the clog is too big or way too deep for a plunger, you should call the professionals of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of New Jersey. Whether you have a clog, need toilet repair, or have issues with a part of your plumbing system, our dependable plumbers are ready to help you. Call us today!

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