While their name can be deceiving, many homeowners fall into the trap of using flushable wipes, only to find out too late that they should not be flushed. Understanding what not to flush down your toilet can help you make better-informed decisions about what products you use while in the bathroom.
What Are Flushable Wipes?
Flushable wipes continue to be marketed as both a hygienic and convenient alternative to traditional toilet paper. However, it’s important to realize that these wipes are not truly safe for your plumbing system. The simple answer to “Can you flush wipes down the toilet?” is no.
Toilet paper is specifically designed to break down very quickly in water. Flushable wipes are constructed of a durable synthetic material, like polyester or polypropylene. The main difference is that the materials that go into flushable wipes are meant to stay intact when they’re wet so that they can wipe and do their job correctly. This durability is their biggest problem when it comes to flushing them down your toilets.
Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?
Contrary to what their name may suggest, flushable wipes are not flushable. Rather, their construction greatly increases their risk of getting stuck or snagged along the way. Things like rough pipe edges, existing debris, and tree root intrusion can all grab those flushable wipes and create a clog inside your sewer line. If you’re using multiple wipes, they can accumulate to form a blockage and restrict the flow of wastewater out of your home.
At first, this can lead to issues like slow drainage of your wastewater, gurgling noises, and a persistent sewage odor. If you don’t contact a professional to remove the partial plug from your line in a timely fashion, it’s likely to get much bigger. Eventually, the whole line will clog and prevent wastewater from flowing through it. This may cause raw sewage to back up through your plumbing fixtures and into your home. This can create a serious health hazard for your family.
Apart from the damage that can happen as a result of using flushable wipes in your home, they can also be a major issue for your municipal sewer system. Because they don’t break down like toilet paper, they can combine with other materials like oils, grease, and debris in the sewer line. This can form large blockages inside the municipal sewer line. This is not only costly to repair, but also leads to downtime for your sewage system.
Flushable wipes are high on the list of what not to flush down the toilet. A lot of the materials used in the construction of flushable wipes aren’t biodegradable. This means that they can persist in the environment for a very long time. When they make their way through your local wastewater treatment system, the wipes may not be fully filtered out of the water. This can allow them to end up in oceans, lakes, and even rivers. This can contribute to pollution and even be harmful to local wildlife.
What’s the Alternative?
Now that you’ve gotten a clear answer to the question of whether you can flush wipes down the toilet, the next thing on your mind is likely what you can do instead. There’s always the option of having a disposal can near the toilet so that you can dispose of those wipes in a safer way. You may want to opt for using high-quality toilet paper that’s specifically designed for strength and softness. Another potential option is to use a bidet attachment that can be more hygienic without putting any additional strain on your plumbing system.
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Goode Plumbing offers expert drain cleaning services for Chicago, IL, and the surrounding communities. We can also assist with all your plumbing installation, replacement, inspection, and repair needs.
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