The Weirdest Things People Flush—And Why You Shouldn’t

At Pam’s Plumbing, we’ve seen it all. From clogged pipes to flooded bathrooms, we know firsthand that some people treat their toilets like trash cans. But here’s the thing—your plumbing system isn’t designed to handle everything you throw (or flush) at it. While most folks know that flushing non-flushable items is a bad idea, you’d be surprised at some of the things plumbers have found lurking in pipes.

1. Live (and Not-So-Live) Animals

Believe it or not, small animals like goldfish, hamsters, and even turtles have been found in plumbing systems. Some people mistakenly believe flushing is a humane way to send their pets on a “water adventure.” In reality, it’s harmful to both the animal and your pipes. Flushed animals can create serious blockages and even lead to major repairs.

2. Toys and Action Figures

Kids love to experiment, and unfortunately, that sometimes means sending their toys on a “swim.” Plumbers have retrieved everything from dolls to Hot Wheels cars lodged in toilet traps. If you have little ones at home, keep an eye on their bathroom habits and consider a toilet lock to prevent any impromptu plumbing experiments.

3. Underwear and Clothing

It might seem unbelievable, but plumbers have pulled underwear, socks, and even full-on T-shirts out of drains. Whether it’s a laundry mishap or an attempt to dispose of stained clothing, flushing fabric is a surefire way to clog your pipes. Fabric doesn’t break down in water and will only cause a massive backup over time.

4. False Teeth and Dentures

Imagine standing over the toilet, adjusting your dentures, and—plop!—they fall right in. Many people panic and flush instead of fishing them out. However, dentures don’t dissolve, and they can wreak havoc on your plumbing. If you ever find yourself in this situation, take a deep breath and grab some gloves instead of reaching for the flush handle.

5. Money

Some unlucky folks have accidentally flushed their cash down the toilet, and others have intentionally done it (for reasons we may never understand). One plumber even found a stack of hundred-dollar bills clogging a pipe! If you ever drop your money in the bowl, your best bet is to retrieve it immediately—because no amount of plumbing work will turn your toilet into an ATM.

6. Wedding Rings and Jewelry

It happens more often than you’d think—someone removes their ring to wash their hands, and before they know it, the ring slips into the toilet. Panic ensues, and instead of carefully retrieving it, they flush, hoping for a miracle. Spoiler alert: Flushing won’t help. In some cases, plumbers have been able to rescue lost jewelry, but it’s not a guarantee. Always be mindful of where you place valuables near the sink or toilet.

7. Food—Even Whole Chickens!

Some people use their toilet as a backup garbage disposal, flushing leftovers instead of throwing them away. While small amounts of food may pass through, things like grease, bones, and large chunks of food can create serious blockages. In one bizarre case, a plumber even found a whole roasted chicken stuck in a pipe! Let’s just say, toilets aren’t meant to double as compost bins.

What You Should Flush (and What You Shouldn’t)

The rule of thumb is simple: If it’s not toilet paper or human waste, don’t flush it! Even so-called “flushable” wipes can cause plumbing nightmares. Other things to avoid include:

• Feminine hygiene products

• Paper towels and tissues

• Cotton swabs and dental floss

• Hair

• Cat litter

• Medications (which can contaminate water supplies)

  
  

Call Pam’s Plumbing Before You Flush Your Money Away

If your toilet is clogged or your pipes are acting up, don’t wait for disaster to strike. The team at Pam’s Plumbing has the experience (and the stomach) to handle even the weirdest plumbing mishaps. Give us a call, and we’ll get things flowing smoothly again—no questions asked (okay, maybe a few, because we really want to know who’s flushing entire chickens).