When you see the word “flushable” on a pack of wipes, should you take the company at their word? Let’s dive into the truth about flushable wipes and the havoc they wreak on your plumbing system!
What Are Flushable Wipes?
Flushable wipes are essentially wet wipes that companies say you can use and flush away after going to the bathroom. Unfortunately, these wipe companies aren’t exactly being honest with you. There’s no third-party testing required from these companies, so they’re able to get away with saying “flushable” even if they’re really bad for your plumbing.
While you can technically flush them, you can also flush ping-pong balls, small toys, and all kinds of things that you shouldn’t flush. Just because you CAN flush something doesn’t mean you SHOULD. The convenience of wipes is great, but there are alternatives that are better for your plumbing system (more on that later!).
What Happens When You Flush Flushable Wipes?
When you flush one flushable wipe, it’s not likely you’ll get an immediate clog. But the more you flush over time, the higher your chances of backing up your home’s plumbing. Unlike toilet paper, flushable wipes don’t disintegrate in water. Because they keep their shape, they get stuck on other debris in your toilet and sewage line and make it harder for waste and water to pass through. The more that builds up, the slower the flow until eventually you end up with a really nasty clog!
What Is a Fatberg?
A fatberg is a rock-like mass of non-biodegradable materials—usually wipes, fat/oil/grease, feminine products, hair, and more. All these things shouldn’t be flushed and end up collecting in the sewers until they build up into gross fatbergs. And the problem with fatbergs is they don’t clear up on their own.
Is It Safe to Use Flushable Wipes at Home?
Theoretically, if your plumbing system is perfect, you could probably flush flushable wipes without a problem. Unfortunately, the odds are high your plumbing system isn’t totally perfect, and it’s not worth the risk. While you might be able to get away with flushing the occasional wipe, it’s like gambling, but instead of gambling to win, you’re just gambling to not lose. And depending on if your home relies on a septic tank or the city sewer system to get rid of waste, you could be risking really expensive problems.
Flushable Wipes in a Septic System vs. City Sewer
Flushable wipes are even worse if you have a septic system. Your septic tank has two sections—one for solids, one for liquids. Bacteria in your septic tank breaks down solids so they can move over to the liquid side over time and eventually exit the tank to be released into your leach field. Because most flushable wipes are made out of synthetic ingredients that don’t break down, they sit in your septic tank and can never move over to that liquid side. When these build up in your septic tank, they can start to cause problems like backups. Eventually, you’ll need someone to pump your septic tank or even replace it if damage has been done over time.
In the city sewer systems, you might get lucky enough for your wipes to clear your home’s pipes, but if wipes from enough households build up in the city sewer system, it can cause problems for your household. But don’t forget—flushable wipes will likely eventually clog up your home’s plumbing, so don’t count on it being the city’s problem instead of yours.
What Can Safely Be Flushed?
When it comes to flushing things, it’s best to stick to human waste and toilet paper—that’s it! Wipes, feminine products, diapers, and more are NOT safe to put down your drains. Wanna learn more about what can and can’t be flushed? Check out our blog post about it here!
What About Flushable Wipes That Say They Break Down?
Some newer flushable wipes are made with cellulose instead of synthetic materials that don’t break down. While these are better than most flushable wipes, they still aren’t as safe as plain ole’ toilet paper. These cellulose flushable wipes do break down in water, but it takes a good bit longer than toilet paper, which means you can still end up with clogs. Overall, it’s just best to stay away from all kinds of flushable wipes.
Alternatives to Flushable Wipes
You like the clean feeling from using flushable wipes. We get it! We just don’t want you to risk a nasty clog—they can be smelly, inconvenient, and even embarrassing (but don’t feel embarrassed if you call Morris-Jenkins to help with a clog! We see them every day!). Instead of reaching for the flushable wipes, consider installing a bidet or washlet. These are widely used all over the world and are growing in popularity in the US. They use water to spray you clean after using the toilet, and some even come with other great features like heated seats or the ability to blow-dry you after use. Morris-Jenkins installs washlets, so give us a call if you wanna upgrade your bathroom experience today! Check out our blog here to learn five reasons you should consider a bidet or washlet.
Not ready for something as major as a bidet or washlet yet? Or want something you can use in multiple bathrooms? You can buy toilet paper foam or liquid wipe from some stores or online. These are foams or liquids you can pump or spray onto toilet paper to help it work more like a wet wipe while still being safe for your sewage system.
Keep Your Drains Clear with Priority Advantage®
Whether you’ve flushed one too many flushable wipes, your kid flushed a toy, or you’re just having an unlucky day, we can unclog your stubborn drains FAST! Wanna save money and stress? Join Priority Advantage®! Members get unlimited FREE drain cabling visits. We’ll get out to your home fast and get your water running the right way again. Learn more about Priority Advantage® here!
