Nothing ruins a day quite like a clogged or overflowing toilet. Sometimes, we are fortunate enough to handle the problem on our own with a trusty plunger. But when the bathroom floor becomes submerged in toilet water and you need to call in a plumber, things can get pretty pricey.
To avoid these unfortunate and expensive situations from happening, here are six things you should never flush down the toilet, along with the science of why they cause so much trouble.
The Do Not Flush List
One: Hair
Do you ever empty your brush and throw the hair directly into the toilet? Although many people do this, hair can clog the pipes in your toilet just like it clogs the drains in your sink and shower. Hair does not break down in water. Instead, it tangles together, catches on tiny imperfections in the pipes, and creates a net that traps other debris, eventually forming a solid, stubborn blockage.
The solution is simple. Throw hair in the trash, or better yet, compost it. Hair is rich in nitrogen and makes a great addition to a compost pile.
Two: Baby, Face, and Makeup Wipes
Baby, facial, and makeup removing wipes should never be flushed down the toilet. Even if the packaging claims they are flushable, they have an extremely tough time breaking down, making them a serious culprit for clogged pipes. Unlike toilet paper, wipes are woven with synthetic fibers designed to stay strong and intact when wet.
Always toss wipes in the trash. If you want to reduce waste, look for biodegradable wipes, but still dispose of them in the garbage, not the toilet.

