Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?
Flushable wipes have become a popular convenience in many households, marketed as a hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper. However, despite the "flushable" label, these wipes can cause major problems for your plumbing system. At Sanders Plumbing HVAC, we’ve seen firsthand the damage that so-called flushable wipes can cause, from minor clogs to serious blockages that require professional intervention.
The "Flushable" Label: Is It A Misleading Claim?
Many consumers assume that products labeled "flushable" are safe for their plumbing. However, the truth is that flushable wipes may not actually break down in water the way toilet paper does. While toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly in water, flushable wipes are made from stronger, non-biodegradable materials. This means that instead of disintegrating quickly, these wipes can stay intact long after you’ve flushed them.
When wipes remain whole, they can accumulate in your pipes, forming clogs that are difficult to remove. Over time, this can lead to serious blockages in your home’s plumbing or even in the municipal sewer system.
How Flushable Wipes Damage Your Plumbing
Here’s what happens when flushable wipes go down the toilet and into your plumbing:
Clogs in Your Pipes: Because flushable wipes don’t break apart like toilet paper, they can get stuck in your pipes. As more wipes and debris accumulate, a small blockage can quickly turn into a full-blown clog that prevents water from flowing freely through your plumbing.
Damage to Sewer Systems: Wipes that make it out of your home’s plumbing can wreak havoc on city sewer systems and septic tanks. They often combine with fats, oils, and grease (FOG) to form massive blockages known as “fatbergs.” These fatbergs can cause backups in public sewer systems, leading to costly repairs for municipalities.
Increased Wear and Tear on Plumbing Equipment: Even if flushable wipes make it past your home’s plumbing without causing an immediate clog, they can still cause wear and tear on your plumbing equipment. For example, they can damage septic systems, or get tangled in sewer pumps, leading to more frequent repairs or replacements.
When to Call a Plumber
If you’ve been using flushable wipes and notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call a plumber before a small issue turns into a larger, more expensive repair:
Slow Draining Toilets: If your toilet drains slowly or makes gurgling noises after flushing, it could be a sign of a developing clog caused by flushable wipes.
Frequent Toilet Backups: If your toilet keeps backing up, especially after using wipes, you may have a clog that’s too deep or too large for DIY methods to fix.
Multiple Drain Clogs: When more than one drain in your home is clogged, it’s likely a sign of a blockage in your main sewer line, which could be caused by wipes or other debris.
Foul Odors: If you notice a foul smell coming from your drains, it could indicate that wipes and other debris are trapped in your pipes, decaying and causing a backup.
Preventing Future Issues: What Can Be Flushed?
The simplest way to prevent plumbing problems caused by flushable wipes is to avoid flushing them altogether. The only things that should be flushed down your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Even wipes labeled as "flushable" or "biodegradable" should be thrown in the trash, not flushed.
Other items to avoid flushing include:
Paper towels
Feminine hygiene products
Dental floss
Cotton swabs
Hair
Call Sanders Plumbing HVAC for Professional Help
If you suspect that flushable wipes or other debris have caused a clog in your plumbing, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber. At Sanders Plumbing HVAC, we offer expert drain cleaning, pipe repairs, and sewer line inspections to keep your plumbing running smoothly.
Contact us today at (501) 374-0117 to schedule a service and protect your plumbing from the dangers of flushable wipes.