Are you one of perhaps millions of people who are using flushable wipes? Well, it’s time to stop using them!
Flushable wipes include a wide variety of kinds, such as baby wipes, toilet wipes, makeup wipes, and antibacterial ones. Some wipes are known to clog toilets, back up sewer systems, and destroy pipes. However, they don’t work as well as toilet paper, so they aren’t usually flushed down the toilet.
The use of flushable wipes, marketed as an alternative to toilet paper, is causing significant damage to sewer systems and the environment. Most toilet manufacturers create "disposable" wipes because they don't disintegrate like toilet paper. And worse, they can cause a lot of problems by clogging drains or sewers.
But what’s the big deal? The name says it’s “flushable”!
The word "flushable" is pushing these products, and consumers know very little of the risks they may cause because they aren't being regulated. Some products that enter our sewers are marketed as "flushable" but, in reality, they can cause major problems. These products include baby wipes, makeup wipes, and other such items.
So, are flushable wipes really flushable?
In general, yes—but it’s safer not to flush them anyway. Flushable wipes often make it through the curved part of your toilet and then get stuck in the drainpipe after a while due to build-up. They can also cause clogged drains on their own over time.
So here’s the problem with flushable wipes concerning your drains:
- They Don’t Break Down Easily
Not because it says “flushable” means it’s biodegradable. Based on a study, a product can only be labeled as fully biodegradable if it consists entirely (100%) of raw materials that can biodegrade in water or any aquatic environment.
With flushable wipes, they are made of only more than 50% of the raw materials used in commercially produced flushable wipes. They don’t disintegrate quickly after disposal compared to toilet paper.
- They Can Damage Your Sewer System Due to Clogging
When these wipes come in contact with other materials like oil and hair in the drainage or sewer, you can imagine how that can lead to clogging. With different things and leftover food that you pour down the drain, these substances can clog the drain and result in a blockage.
If there is a blockage, that means you need to call Full Spectrum Plumbing Services to have the clog removed. These wipes will not break down easily in water and might even remain intact after they are flushed down the toilet. If you are just looking for an extra flush, make sure to only use biodegradable ones.
Should You Flush Them or Not?
There are two reasons why flushable wipes are not advisable to go down the drain. Because they took longer to disintegrate in water, they can put your home’s plumbing system in jeopardy. When this happens, you might suffer days or even weeks without a properly working water supply or drainage system.
As a homeowner, you should take caution in flushing these wipes down the toilet because of the following:
- Dissolvability Factor: Although flushable wipes can easily go down the toilet, most of the time they would stay intact or whole in the pipes and continue to accumulate until they form a massive blockage. This is because they are non-biodegradable.
- No Testing Required: There's no testing required for those who manufacture flushable wipes on US soil. These are the ones that'll cause the most havoc in our sewers and demand a lot of repair work. (You should really avoid using any product labeled as 'flushable' in toilets.)
What Should I Do With Flushable Wipes?
Flushable wipes aren't good for your pipes, but you have some other options available. Here are safe options for getting rid of used wipes:
Dispose of Them in the Trash Bin
Disposable wipes have become more and more abundant in the past few years. However, it is important to remember that they should be disposed of properly. To ensure proper disposal on your end, make sure to bag up used wipes and trash them after use. It is also a good idea to make it a priority to only purchase wipes with no offensive scents or colors. Tossing a used wipe in the trash means that it doesn't end up in the toilet and clog it. Although not all your trash will come to a recycling center, there is no risk of any household waste coming into contact with the wipes in this instance.
Take Advantage of a Sealed Container
Are you worried about the stinky smell of used wipes? Then using a sealed, plastic container would be a great solution. The container ensures that the odor stays intact and won’t cause an unnecessary smell inside your home.
Practice Composting
Composting is a natural process in which organic matter decomposes and returns to the earth in a usable form. The process is vital for the health of our planet.
Used flushable wipes are an excellent way to compost. If you can't compost at home, don't worry - there are many places you can find compost bins around your city or town.
In the meantime, you can use other alternative cleansing options like a bidet or toilet paper spray. These things require less wiping but give almost the same result as using wipes.
Think You Have Clogged Pipes? Call the Experts at Full Spectrum Plumbing Services!
A clogged pipe can be very frustrating, especially when you're in the middle of doing laundry or trying to take a shower. Don't let a clogged pipe ruin your day! Hire Full Spectrum Plumbing Services to fix you up.
Our experienced plumbers know how to deal with flushable wipes that got stuck in your pipes, ensuring your plumbing system gets back to normal after repair. We will come out and give you a free estimate over the phone, so you don't have to worry about driving all over town for help. You'll be happy you did!
