Things That You Should Never Flush Down Your Toilet

By molly atherton 5 months ago
Join us on this odyssey through the depths of toilet wisdom as we uncover the secrets of the forbidden flushables. From innocent-looking items that transform into plumbing gremlins to the downright bizarre contraband that could give your toilet a serious identity crisis, we've got the scoop on what not to send on a watery journey. So buckle up, intrepid reader, because we're about to embark on a voyage that will forever change the way you view your porcelain companion.

Never flush wipes down your toilet, unless you want to be the one unclogging it...

While items like baby wipes, wet wipes, make-up wipes, and bleach wipes may appear to be flushable, you'd be wrong. They don't break down in sewers and lead to expensive plumbing issues. The packet might say biodegradable but throwing them out is a much better option!
Image source/ Kyle Plumbing
These wipes are the rebels of the bathroom, refusing to conform to the laws of sewer decency. So, next time you're tempted to flush one down, resist the urge, my friend. Opt for the trash can instead, and spare yourself the drama of a plumbing disaster. Your pipes will thank you, and so will your wallet!Original content sourced from Femanin.com

And that goes for "flushable" wipes too!

Prepare to have your world turned upside down because, my friend, the truth about those flushable toilet wipes is a real plot twist. It's time to question the gospel according to the wipe packets because, believe it or not, you shouldn't trust everything you read there.
Image source/ TODAY
In the last few years, it's been raining flushable toilet wipes from every brand imaginable. They promise a hassle-free, clog-free journey through your pipes, making you feel like you've found the holy grail of bathroom convenience. But let me burst that bubble for you – these so-called flushable wipes can be as much of a plumbing menace as their non-flushable counterparts.

Medication is a big no-no

ou see, sewage plants are like the unsung heroes of our waste disposal system, tirelessly working to turn our mess into something less, well, messy. But here's the plot twist: they can't handle the powerful compounds in medications. It's like throwing a superhero into a villain's lair and expecting everything to be hunky-dory.
Image source/ Reddit
As your meds make their way through the treatment plant, they unleash chaos, polluting the water supply like a nefarious plot unfolding. This pollution isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a full-blown environmental drama. Picture polluted rivers and oceans, with marine life playing the unsuspecting victims in this aquatic tragedy.

Food takes longer to break down than you think, don't flush it

Picture this: you're innocently tossing kitchen scraps down the toilet, thinking, "Out of sight, out of mind." But here's the reality check – food waste doesn't play nice with septic tanks. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole; it just doesn't work.
Image source/ Reddit
That innocent banana peel or leftover spaghetti might seem harmless, but it's a ticking time bomb in your plumbing system. Instead of gracefully decomposing, it's causing a traffic jam in your pipes, creating a clog that would make even the most experienced plumber break a sweat.

Paper towels are not the same as toilet paper... so don't flush them

Sure, at first glance, a paper towel might seem like a close cousin to your trusty bathroom tissue. They're both paper, right? Well, here's the twist – when toilet paper waltzes with water, it's a magical instant disintegration affair. Poof! It dissolves into oblivion, leaving no trace behind.
Image source/ WWSB
Paper towels though, don't believe in disappearing acts. Instead of gracefully bowing out of the scene, they soak up more water than your run-of-the-mill toilet paper. It's like comparing a quick-dissolving sorcerer to a water-absorbing monster of the sewers.

Floss - although it seems small, it's a nuisance

Sure, it's thin, and at first glance, you might think, "Oh, it's practically a breeze for my plumbing." But here's the plot twist – dental floss is not the eco-friendly superhero you envisioned. No, my friend, it refuses to biodegrade, choosing instead to weave a net-like cocoon that can ensnare other debris in your drain.
Image source/ Good Housekeeping
So, the next time you're tempted to give your dental floss a watery send-off, resist the urge. Toss it in the garbage like a responsible citizen, sparing your plumbing from the horror of a floss-induced apocalypse. Your pipes will thank you, and you'll avoid a tangled mess that no one wants to untangle.

Hairballs are nasty and don't belong in the toilet

We're diving into the world of hairballs, not the kind that felines regurgitate, but the ones that sneak their way into your drains. Before you even think about giving them a watery farewell down the toilet, let me hit you with a reality check.
Image source/ Reddit
Think about the monstrous size a hairball can reach when neglected in your hairbrush. Now, multiply that by the mysterious forces of your plumbing, and you've got yourself a potential plumbing disaster waiting to happen. oss it in the trash, and you'll avoid a plumbing catastrophe that could rival a horror movie plot.

Syringes should never be flushed down the toilet

They might have served their medical purpose, but trust me, these little guys are not something you want to handle casually. They're not just your average trash; they fall into the category of bio-hazardous medical waste. So, before you even think about tossing them in the regular bin, let's explore a safer and more responsible option.
Image source/ Reddit
So, what's the plan? Instead of risking a hazardous encounter with a discarded needle, make a beeline for your friendly neighborhood pharmacy. Many of them run syringe take-back programs, offering a safe and proper way to dispose of your medical sharps.

Don't put your toxic cigarette ends in there too

Toxic plastics from cigarette butts are one of the biggest polluters in the world. Over 4.5 billion cigarette ends are thrown away each year and if flushed can pose a harm to marine life. Not to mention that cigarette butts also have a tendency to float and are not always flushed away.
Image source/ Reddit
So, let's cut to the chase: be a responsible smoker. After you've extinguished that cigarette, don't just flick it away like it's no big deal. Take a moment to dispose of it properly. Your choice to toss that butt in the trash might seem small, but collectively, it makes a massive impact on the health of our planet.

If you don't know it already... sanitary towels don't belong in the lavatory...

With their primary purpose being to absorb liquid, you might think that putting sanitary towels down the toilet is okay. Well, you're mistaken. They are capable of obstructing pipes and it might make you look foolish when the plumber figures out what's wrong.
Image source/ ProPest Control
Do yourself a favor – stick to the golden rule of toilets: only flush the three Ps (pee, poop, and toilet paper). Save your sanitary towels from a watery demise, toss them in the trash, and spare yourself the awkward encounter with a judgmental plumber. Your pipes will thank you.

...nor do tampons too!

The same goes for tampons as well. We know that tampons swell in size with the liquid they absorb, and this isn't any different with your toilet water. They'll easily get stuck in your pipes and the result will be an expensive plumber to come and fix it.
Image source/ Bangor Daily News
Imagine the horror of discovering that your once-harmless tampon is now the leading role in a costly plumbing drama. It's a situation no one wants to be in, especially when it's accompanied by the judgmental gaze of a plumber. Keep it classy and dispose of those tampons properly.

Condoms (unless you want to be the one unclogging your toilet)

It's obvious to some but you'd be surprised how many people flush condoms down the toilet. Please don't! They can't be broken down or dissolved and will easily cause a clog in the plumbing system. You'll either have the disgusting job of unblocking the toilet, or the embarrassing job of hiring someone else.
Image source/ Sassy Townhouse
So, for the sake of your plumbing, your dignity, and your wallet, resist the urge to give condoms a watery send-off. Dispose of them responsibly in the trash, and spare yourself the embarrassment of a plumbing problem that could have been easily avoided.

Cosmetics - they go on your face, not the toilet

A lot of people don't realize that outdated cosmetics like moisturizer and other beauty care items might be harmful, and that goes for your toilet health too. They may wreak havoc on sewage treatment facilities and septic tanks, so please don't flush them down the toilet.
Image source/ Reddit
So, here's a friendly beauty tip for your plumbing: resist the urge to bid farewell to expired beauty products through the toilet. Instead, give them a proper send-off in the trash can. Your pipes will thank you, and you'll avoid the unglamorous task of dealing with a plumbing issue that could have been easily prevented.

Goldfish, just bury it already

It's sad to say goodbye to a beloved pet, so give them a better send off than the toilet! It's not just goldfish that sewer workers find in pipes, they've been known to find hamsters and guinea pigs too. So instead, wrap them in a bag or box and give them a decent burial in the backyard.
Image source/ Reddit
A backyard burial allows you to create a peaceful resting place, where you can visit and reminisce about the joy and love they brought into your life. It's a small but meaningful gesture, ensuring that your pet's final chapter is marked with the respect and love they rightfully deserve.

Diapers (do we even need to say it?!)

Diapers, like tampons and sanitary towels, are made to soak up fluid. You could get a diaper to make it down the first pipe but there is a good probability, though, that it won't go very far. When it continues to grow, it will clog your pipe horribly.
Image source/ Reddit
Diapers have a sneaky habit of continuing to grow once they're in your pipes, creating a potential disaster in the form of a horrendous clog. It's like a slow-motion plumbing nightmare unfolding right under your feet. You'll only end up creating yourself even more of a mess.

Cotton buds, just pet them in the bin please

Here's the deal: those cotton buds won't do the disappearing act you might expect when flushed down the toilet. Instead, they have a talent for getting caught in the intricate dance of your plumbing pipes, creating a blockage that could rival a horror movie plot.
Image source/ Reddit
It's true that cotton is a moisture-absorbing champ, but when it comes to cotton buds, the story takes a twist that can turn your plumbing into a monstrous mess. It's another scenario that could lead to a plumbing disaster, leaving you with an unpleasant task or a costly visit from the plumber.

And even worse.. cotton balls!

What's even worse than flushing cotton buds? Cotton balls, for sure. These bad boys soak up more moisture and can grow in size, so piling these into the pipes of your toilet is just going to cause you more work later on. All you need to do is toss them in the garbage can.
Image source/ Reddit
So, here's the golden rule: just like cotton buds, cotton balls should never embark on a watery journey down the toilet. Instead, toss them where they belong – in the garbage can. It's a simple move that saves you from future plumbing headaches and ensures your pipes stay clear of a cotton ball-induced catastrophe.

Please don't put your bloody band-aids in the toilet!

Image source/ Know Your Meme
Once a band-aid is flushed down the toilet, what do you believe happens to it? Nothing. It doesn't vanish into thin air it just causes unnecessary blockages if it enters your pipes and stays there. The problem is that many of them wind up in the sewers.

You might not think so, but cat litter can do harm to your toilet

Our plumbing adventure takes a sharp turn into the world of feline-related bathroom hazards. Brace yourself, because it's time to talk about a little something called Toxoplasma gondii, a parasitic troublemaker found in cat feces. This tiny menace isn't just harmful to animals; it's downright toxic, and it has a knack for causing trouble beyond your litter box.
Image source/ Katzenworld
Sewage treatment facilities are not equipped to handle this parasite. Flushing cat litter down the toilet, thinking you're doing a quick clean-up, can unwittingly introduce Toxoplasma gondii into the water supply. It's like a stealthy infiltrator, slipping through the cracks of our waste disposal systems and potentially contaminating the water we rely on.

Although tiny, contact lenses are a threat to wildlife

Contact lenses may be small, but they offer the same dangers compared to other single-use plastics if they are not disposed of properly. Their breakdown creates even smaller particles that will have a toxic effect on marine life. Throwing them out in the garbage is the safest option.
Image source/ Reddit
These microscopic remnants of contact lenses can have a toxic effect on marine life, creating a ripple of harm in the delicate underwater ecosystems. It's a scenario where even the tiniest players can have a significant impact. You don't want to be at fault for killing the turtles do you!?

Unsurprisingly, gum is also a big no-no

It's a huge faux pas to flush gum down the toilet. In addition to being sticky, it is also insoluble and because of its stickiness, it causes major plumbing problems. There is a significant risk of clogging plumbing systems whenever gum is flushed down the toilet.
Image source/ Reddit
The stickiness of gum can lead to clogs that make even the most experienced plumber sigh in frustration. It's a huge faux pas that can result in a plumbing catastrophe, leaving you with a hefty repair bill and an embarrassing tale to tell. Just imagine everything they'd be able to catch!

Fat or oil shouldn't be put into your drains unless you want a serious blockage!

When fat and oil are flushed down the toilet, they cause huge problems for the plumbing, don't let their fluid appearance deceive you. They set quickly and embed themselves in the pipe walls. After a while, the obstruction makes it impossible for anything else to pass through.
Image source/ Reddit
Now, here's the kicker: fatbergs. Yes, that's a real term. Fatbergs are colossal masses of congealed fat, oil, and other unsuitable items that form in sewer systems. They can grow to monstrous sizes, causing significant blockages and wreaking havoc on sewage infrastructure.

Believe it or not... bleach

You might not believe it, but you should never put bleach in the toilet. It's highly corrosive, therefore it should be kept far away from your plumbing, not to mention toxic fumes are produced when it combines with other pollutants in the sewer system.
Image source/ YouYooz
Sure, it can make your toilet sparkle, but it can also engage in a not-so-friendly chemical tango with the materials in your plumbing. The result? Potential corrosion and damage that could lead to leaks or even a plumbing catastrophe.

Another hazardous waste that shouldn't be flushed is paint

Pigments, solvents, extenders, binders, and additives all work together to form paint and make it a toxic substance. If there's one thing we've learned, you should not dispose of toxic substances in your toilet. Choose a reputable paint recycling center to dispose of any unused paint.
Image source/ Bob Vila
These facilities are equipped to handle the proper disposal of paint, ensuring that its toxic components are managed in an environmentally friendly way. It's a small step for your plumbing but a giant leap for responsible paint disposal! Something like that...

Weedkiller is a killer of your pipes

According to direct-drainage, there are a number of garden chemicals that aren't meant to be flushed down your lavatory, and one of the big ones is weedkiller. Along with insecticides and fungicides, weedkiller has a specific purpose and when the chemicals are released into your toilet it does harm to the marine life.
Image source/ Reddit
Opt for proper disposal methods recommended by experts, ensuring that these chemical champions find a responsible exit without jeopardizing marine habitats. Your garden will thrive, your plumbing will thank you, and marine life will continue to flourish without the unintended consequences of chemical trespassing.

Anti-freeze, your toilet doesn't need it!

Now we're on the topic of chemicals being flushed down your toilet, we ought to look at chemicals like anti-freeze and motor oil. While it might sound obvious, some people don't understand the danger of flushing the hazardous and harsh substances into your toilet.
Image source/ etrailer.com
But why is it such a big deal? These automotive chemicals, designed to withstand the rigors of engine life, can wreak havoc in the more delicate ecosystem of your pipes. They can cling to the walls, creating a residue that becomes a breeding ground for plumbing issues.

Vapes should never be flushed

Listen, it might sound stupid, but some people genuinely think that because they "can" flush cigarette butts down the toilet, they can put their vapes in their too. Wrong! That's a big no-no. Obviously vapes are too big and heavy for any toilet, and might get stuck somewhere along the pipe.
Image source/ Reddit
Imagine the journey of a vape device as it ventures into the plumbing abyss. It might start with the hopeful push of a flush, but it's destined for trouble. The weight and dimensions of vapes can turn a routine toilet journey into a plumbing obstacle course, potentially causing clogs, backups, and a headache for whoever has to untangle the mess.

And the same goes for batteries too!

No matter the size of the battery, they are all dense. This means that instead of being flushed away with the water, they might stay in your pipes longer than you think, adding to the extreme blockage you might eventually get. This will prove costly as you'll have to get someone out to fix it.
Image source/ Hearing Health and Technology Matters
Here's the catch – the dense nature of batteries can turn a routine flush into a plumbing nightmare. They're not designed to break down like organic materials, and their unwelcome presence can lead to clogs, backups, and eventually, a hefty bill for a professional plumber to come to the rescue.

Contact lens cleaning solution... no no no!

If you're looking for somewhere to put your used contact-lens solution, don't look to the toilet. Toilets are for water and excrement only, and putting anything other than this down can lead to pollution, a change in the marine life or unwanted blockages!
Image source/ Reddit
So, where does your used contact-lens solution belong? Opt for a more fitting exit strategy – consider pouring it down the sink or disposing of it in the regular trash. By doing so, you're not only avoiding potential plumbing mishaps but also contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

White spirits are detrimental too

White spirit is a harmful substance that can easily corrode your plumbing pipes if too much of it enters your at-home plumbing system. It might sound like an easy way to get rid of it now, but trust me, you'll regret it later when it comes to fixing it!
Image source/ Reddit
Little do you know, this solvent superhero can turn into a plumbing villain, causing corrosion and damage to your pipes. It's like inviting a stealthy intruder that corrodes away quietly, only to reveal its mischief when the damage is done.

Soap

This one might be surprising because how much soap do you rinse down the sink into your drains on a daily basis, when you wash your hands or take a shower? But any soap that's going to do down your toilet drain instead is a big problem. You shouldn't be using soap in your toilet in a frugal way to save on toilet cleaner, because it can affect the way your toilet functions!
image source: reddit.com
Imagine the soap's journey as it enters the toilet drain – it might seem harmless at first, but over time, that slippery residue can accumulate and impact the smooth functioning of your toilet. It's like introducing an unexpected guest that gradually overstays its welcome and disrupts the plumbing party.

Shampoo and/or conditioner

This also goes for shampoo and conditioner, too! We don't know why these would end up doing your toilet, but maybe you accidentally pour some down thinking it's toilet cleaner, or knock the open bottle either. Either way, it's going to end up causing a problem for your toilet drain because the ingredients in those products, like oils and cocoa butter, are very likely to clog your pipes!
image source: reddit.com
It's like a hair care heist gone wrong, with the oils and nourishing agents deciding to set up shop in your plumbing instead of rinsing away as intended. Over time, this accumulation can lead to drainage issues, clogs, and a not-so-pleasant plumbing situation.

Talcum powder

If you happen to use talcum powder in your bathroom close to an open toilet, be sure not to accidentally get any down there! Or, worse, knock the whole bottle over into your toilet bowl! This is because talcum powder can very easily clog together when it becomes wet so it ends up causing a huge mound of powder that'll block your pipes.
image source: reddit.com
But that's not the end of the powder predicament. Talcum powder residues can also cling to the inside of pipes, acting like a stealthy troublemaker that paves the way for future clogs. It's a subtle but persistent issue that can slowly build up over time, leading to plumbing woes down the line.

Makeup wipes

More and more people are looking for more eco-friendly ways to remove their makeup these days, but it's not just about the environment when we're talking about these pesky heavy wipes. Some wipes are made to completely dissolve in water, but any sort of wipe, including makeup, is a big problem for your toilet.
image source: reddit.com
Makeup wipes aren't going to be built to dissolve easily. Now, imagine the journey of a makeup wipe down your toilet drain. It might seem like a convenient disposal method, but these wipes can accumulate and contribute to blockages, backups, and a not-so-happy plumbing situation.

Any beauty products that are oil-based

Did you forget about that beauty product you bought a while back that still has half a bottle yet, but is now out of date? Pouring expired makeup and beauty products down the toilet might seem the logical thing to do to wash out the bottle and get rid, but any oil-based products are going to cause an issue because they can solidify, leading to toilet blockages!
image source: reddit.com
It's a small step that ensures your plumbing stays clear, and you can declutter your beauty routine without inadvertently creating a plumbing drama. Let's keep the oils where they belong – in the beauty routine – and maintain a smooth flow in your bathroom plumbing.

Any small object!

We're looking at you, parents with kids who try to flush Action Man down the toilet! We understand why it's easy for certain small objects to drop in there from time to time, like the cap from your toothpaste you just knocked over, or that one hair clip you dropped.
image source: reddit.com
Picture the journey of that tiny toothpaste cap as it takes a detour into the toilet drain. Initially, it might seem harmless, but the confined space of the pipes can turn it into a potential blockage waiting to happen. The risk of trapping and accumulating other debris over time is a plumbing scenario you'd rather avoid.

The weirdest things ever flushed down a toilet: a goldfish that grew GIGANTIC

We advised against trying to flush your deceased goldfish down the toilet, but what happens when it's actually not dead and ends up surviving the drain journey? It's actually been found that goldfish disposed of incorrectly down the drain that are still alive can actually transform and grow to a whopping 14 inches.
image source: reddit.com
The next time you find yourself contemplating the fate of a goldfish, consider more humane alternatives for their disposal. Whether it's a proper burial or reaching out to pet stores or aquatic centers, there are ways to bid farewell to your finned friends that ensure their well-being.

Fake poker chips worth millions

When it comes to gambling in Vegas, there are many people who have tried their luck when trying to win money, like card counting, cheating or - in this case - arriving with a ton of fake poker chips to try and make some real cash. One guy had around 2.7 million dollars worth of fake poker chips, and after winning some money, he panicked and tried to flush the fake ones down the drain.
image source: reddit.com
Cue the entrance of law enforcement, who, armed with both curiosity and a knack for solving puzzles, unravel the mystery of the clogged drain. The discovery of millions in fake poker chips leads to a high-stakes confrontation between the gambler and the long arm of the law.

A LOT of Lego bricks

You know how we talked about kids trying to flush their toys down the toilet? Yeah. But we're not just talking one or two Lego bricks, here. Try 2.5 million Lego bricks!! That's the estimate for the amount of Lego bricks that kids have taken to trying to flush down the toilet. It's usually part of a normal day for a professional to find all manner of kids toys causing a huge blockage.
image source: reddit.com
It's not just about a random toy or two causing a clog; it's a global phenomenon where kids, in an attempt to explore the mysteries of plumbing, turn their Lego collections into unwitting accomplices in creating havoc. The result? A massive blockage that requires the expertise of a professional plumber armed with both tools and a sense of humor.

Diamond wedding ring

One thing you don't want to lose is your very expensive diamond and gold wedding ring, but the problem with trying to give your toilet a good scrub whilst wearing it is that accidents can easily happen... In one woman's case, her ring slipped off her finger and down the toilet.
image source: reddit.com
Surprisingly, nine years later when she'd already got a replacement, the ring turned up when found by a plumber! Perhaps the universe decided it was time for a reunion, or maybe it was the gentle hand of destiny guiding the plumber's tools. It's a true miracle story!

Hair pin belonging to a royal

At a royal residence in Paris, custodians were just going their jobs maintaining the place when they happened upon a hair pin down one of the communal toilets. It wasn't just any hairpin, either - it belonged to Queen Catherine de Medici, and considered more an expensive piece of jewelry than anything else. Did she drop it herself down the toilet? We'll never know!
image source: reddit.com
It's a tale that adds a touch of whimsy to the daily tasks of custodians, turning a routine maintenance day into a treasure hunt through time. The royal residence becomes a stage for unexpected discoveries, where even the most intimate accessories of queens can take a detour into the watery realms of plumbing.

A live bomb from World War II

We've all made jokes about 'explosive' trips to the toilet after a bad take out, but we never actually think a live bomb from a real war could be found down there. Someone in the UK actually did find a bomb down the toilet and called the police, who then had to secure the area and evacuate everyone so that the bomb could be removed safely. Thank goodness for the person needing to go to the loo!
image source: reddit.com
So, the next time you joke about explosive toilet experiences, remember this tale of a resident who unwittingly stumbled upon a live bomb. Cn you imagine the terror that must have been going through their minds? One wrong move and it could have been a horror show!

An expensive Rolex watch

Hold on to your timepieces because we're about to delve into a tale of horological adventure – where a woman's Rolex, valued at $8,500, takes an unexpected journey through the twists and turns of plumbing, only to resurface 18 months later in a surprising twist of fate.
image source: reddit.com
Fast forward 18 months, and the story takes an astonishing turn. A mile away from its initial departure point, the Rolex resurfaces, as if answering the call of time itself. Miraculously, it isn't a tarnished relic but a polished gem, restored to its former glory. They probably gave it a little wash though!

A wad of cash

At least the poker chips made sense because they were fake, but why would you try and flush a load of cash? One janitor in Australia found a huge amount of money wedged into the toilet bowl, and after the honest man notified the police, he was given $76,000 of the total $93,000 as a reward for letting them know!
image source: reddit.com
The moral of the story? When faced with the temptation of unclaimed treasures down the toilet, remember the janitor's example. Honesty not only leads to the unraveling of mysteries but can also result in unexpected rewards that echo the value of doing what's right.

A puppy

Okay, just to firstly say the puppy is fine, so there's that. But yes, someone accidentally flushed a puppy down the toilet! A kid decided to give a muddy dog a bath in the toilet bowl (it made sense in their mind) and accidentally flushed the small dog down. Luckily, a plumber quickly found it in the drain pipe and was able to rescue the poor thing!
image source: reddit.com
The puppy emerges from this watery ordeal unscathed, thanks to the quick thinking and expertise of the plumber who turns an unusual call into a heartwarming rescue mission. That must have been one of the most awkward callouts the plumber had ever had.

An opossum

It's not just puppies or goldfish being flushed, either. Plumbers have reported finding a variety of animals that have been flushed down the drain, most randomly opossums! The funny thing about opossums is they're known for playing dead in order to defend themselves, so it could be that someone actually though they were dead and tried to flush the animal away.
image source: reddit.com
The opossum, once presumed to be flushed away, emerges from its plumbing escapade with a tale to tell, a tale of survival tactics gone awry in the twists and turns of drainpipes. This poor little guy must have been going through quite the ordeal before he was rescued.

Human beings

Firstly, let's address the unthinkable – cases where individuals, for reasons both intentional and unknowing, have found themselves giving birth or attempting to flush live babies down the toilet. These distressing scenarios lead to monumental rescue efforts, where the plumbing takes a back seat to the urgency of saving lives.
image source: reddit.com
Now, let's pivot to a different kind of plumbing peculiarity – full-grown adults hiding in septic tanks. The mind boggles at the motivations behind such choices, as individuals seemingly opt for the unlikeliest of hiding spots. The septic tank, designed for a very different purpose, becomes an unlikely refuge for those seeking concealment.

Dentures

The last thing you want to try and use again after it's been saved from a toilet... But yes, in some cases, dentures have also been found flushed down the toilet. Then again, dentures can get very expensive, so many a good clean afterwards is something you're comfortable with to wear them again!
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There have been more than one case of dentures going missing both in residential toilets and even airport toilets! Who knows, your dental companions might just be plotting their next adventure, be it a daring plunge or a mysterious disappearance.

Tiny liquor bottles

Those small travel-sized bottles of booze you get when traveling are handy when you're on the go and just want a quick drink, but their tiny size doesn't mean that it's okay to try and flush down the toilet! But yep, there have been cases were those tiny liquor bottles have been tried to be flushed down the drain, too.
image source: reddit.com
The question lingers – why would someone attempt to flush these tiny liquor bottles down the toilet? Theories abound, from attempts at covert disposal to moments of inebriated decision-making that defy rationality. Just don't do it basically, be more careful.

Take care of your toilet!

In summary: we take our toilets for granted, of that there is no doubt! Respect yours by only flushing what you should be flushing down it, and definitely make sure to take off any expensive jewelry or watches before attempting to scrub it! Also be sure to be wary of anything like wipes that says 'flushable' because the chances are high - as seen here - that they're really not...
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In conclusion, let's raise a metaphorical toast to our toilets, those unsung heroes of domestic life. By understanding their quirks, respecting their boundaries, and steering clear of peculiar plumbing endeavors, we can ensure that our daily interactions with the porcelain throne remain uneventful in the best possible way.