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Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?
We all know that there are certain things you shouldn’t flush down the toilet such as plastic objects like children’s toys or larger waste items like disposable diapers. But what about flushable wipes? Even though they are advertised safe for your plumbing, are there hidden dangers to flushing these wipes?
Our pro plumbers share why you might want to reconsider what you’re flushing. Read on!
On the other hand, flushable wipes are made of stronger natural or synthetic fibers that do not break down as easily as paper would. Although this is more pleasant for the user, this means they stay in one solid piece in your pipes, causing clogs.
Just because you can swallow gum or toothpaste doesn’t mean it's good for your body. The same concept applies to your home’s plumbing system and flushable wipes. They might seem ok at first, or the occasional use, but flushing wipes causes more damage in the long run.
Beyond the risk of clogged pipes, there is good reason to be concerned about these wipes environmental impact, cost and effect on your city’s broader sewer systems.
If you are ready to forgo the wipes, toilet paper is the classic alternative. Although less popular in the United States, you can also choose to add a bidet to your toilet. There are new products available like toilet paper sprays and eco friendly kits that give the same effect of a flushable wipe without the plumbing and environmental impacts.
If you find that you have a clogged toilet or other plumbing issues, the pros at Ace Hardware Home Services are ready to help. From minor clogs to major replacements, we have the tools and expertise to get the job done.
Find a location near you to schedule your plumbing inspection or learn more about protecting your home’s plumbing system.
Our pro plumbers share why you might want to reconsider what you’re flushing. Read on!
The Difference Between Toilet Paper and Wipes
Toilet paper is made from paper, wood or bamboo pulp products. This means toilet paper disintegrates – breaks down – quickly in water. These small, broken-down particles can easily flow through pipes and don’t cause blockages.On the other hand, flushable wipes are made of stronger natural or synthetic fibers that do not break down as easily as paper would. Although this is more pleasant for the user, this means they stay in one solid piece in your pipes, causing clogs.
Can You Flush “Flushable” Wipes?
Our experts say NO. Technically, you can flush a lot of different things down your toilet, but that doesn’t mean you should. Flushable wipes, although advertised as safe for home plumbing, increase the risk of clogged pipes and costly repairs. There is almost no regulation using the word flushable on packaging or marketing.Just because you can swallow gum or toothpaste doesn’t mean it's good for your body. The same concept applies to your home’s plumbing system and flushable wipes. They might seem ok at first, or the occasional use, but flushing wipes causes more damage in the long run.
Beyond the risk of clogged pipes, there is good reason to be concerned about these wipes environmental impact, cost and effect on your city’s broader sewer systems.
4 Risks of Using Flushable Wipes
1. Flushable wipes clog your pipes.
Flushable wipes do not break down, so they are more likely to get stuck, clump together and clog your pipes. When the wipes move into your sewer system, fats, oils and shower products from your kitchen and bathroom drains easily build up and clump to the wipes. This creates what plumbers call “fatbergs” or large iceberg like masses that block waste from flowing through your system and away from your home. Fatbergs damage pipes leading to leaks, clogs, possible flooding and the inevitable costly plumbing repair.2. Some flushable wipes are bad for the environment.
Many flushable wipes are made from synthetic materials. This means they do no biodegrade, which is bad for the environment. Wipes often contain scents or other chemicals that not only might be bad for your skin, but get into groundwater, lakes and rivers, disrupting ecosystems and harming animals.3. Flushable wipes cost more.
A pack of flushable wipes often costs more upfront than a pack of toilet paper. There is also the hidden cost of the damage they cause to your plumbing system. Clogs will cost you in repairs, replacements, and frequent visits from your local plumber. Costly damage is more likely in motor homes, homes with basement septic systems or when wipes are frequently used.4. Flushable wipes damage municipal sewer systems.
If the wipes make it past your homes plumbing system, they then flow to your cities sewage and water treatment systems. These can cause major clogs in sewer treatment facilities, leading to significant costs to remove the clogs, increasing fees and costs to taxpayers.Using Flushable Wipes Safely and Wipe Alternatives
If you’re not ready to give up flushable wipes, we recommend that you dispose of them in a trashcan instead of flushing them down the toilet. You might also choose to use less flushable wipes, decreasing the number of debris that can cause a clog. While buying flushable wipes, be sure to do some research. Look for wipes that are biodegradable or do not use synthetic materials.If you are ready to forgo the wipes, toilet paper is the classic alternative. Although less popular in the United States, you can also choose to add a bidet to your toilet. There are new products available like toilet paper sprays and eco friendly kits that give the same effect of a flushable wipe without the plumbing and environmental impacts.
If you find that you have a clogged toilet or other plumbing issues, the pros at Ace Hardware Home Services are ready to help. From minor clogs to major replacements, we have the tools and expertise to get the job done.
Find a location near you to schedule your plumbing inspection or learn more about protecting your home’s plumbing system.
