Flushable Wipes appear to be a comfortable option instead of Toilet paper. However, even though many brands claim they are “Flushable,” many types of Wipes can still lead to numerous plumbing issues. Flushable Wipes don’t disintegrate quickly in Water like Toilet paper. Instead, they continue traveling throughout your piping system, collecting with other debris along the way. They then form tough plugs that can remain in your plumbing system for long periods of time.
By understanding what happens to Flushable Wipes in your plumbing system, you can also reduce the likelihood of clogged drains, unanticipated Toilet overflows, and costly sewer line damage.
1. Why are Flushable Wipes not like regular Toilet paper?
Regular Toilet paper disintegrates immediately upon coming into contact with Water. Therefore, regular Toilet paper tends to travel through the house drainpipe and eventually into the public sewer system more readily than the stronger and more durable materials used in making most Wipes.
Although many manufacturers have described their products as either dispersible (break apart) or Flushable, these Wipes usually require significantly longer to disintegrate than regular Toilet paper. The reason for this is that strong durable materials are used to allow the product to retain its shape while it is being used. Because of this type of material, it is far easier for the Wipes to clog household drainpipes and sewers than for the Wipes to safely pass through these Pipes.
Therefore, simply because a wipe may disappear after Flushing, it doesn’t automatically mean that it will travel successfully and safely through your plumbing system.
2. How will using Flushable Wipes damage your plumbing system’s piping?
Once you have flushed a wipe, it could potentially travel undeterred through your drainpipes. The longer you continue to flush multiple Wipes over time, the more likely it is that these will accumulate in your plumbing system – especially if you have existing debris in your piping system.
There are several ways that Wipes may damage your plumbing system:
Blockages within the Pipes: Wipes may get caught on bendings in your Pipes, rough surfaces and smaller areas within your Pipes.
Slowing down your drains: as the number of Wipes continues to grow so does the amount of debris which will gradually limit the efficiency of your drains.
Backups in your Toilet: when there is a complete blockage preventing proper flow of waste and Water through your Pipes.
Problems in your sewer line: when a large accumulation of Wipes develops into a huge mass which can ultimately develop into a stubborn plug which cannot be removed by yourself.
Wipes pose an additional threat to older plumbing systems and broken or damaged Pipes. Older plumbing systems tend to have pre-existing build-up where the Wipes can accumulate faster.
3. What may happen when you continuously flush Wipes?
While Flushing one wipe might not create a significant issue right away; however, continuously Flushing Wipes will increase your risk of experiencing a severe blockage in your plumbing.
Over time, as each new wipe moves through your plumbing system, it has the potential to snag onto various items such as grease, hair, excess Toilet paper, etc., creating a massive collection of debris which can later solidify into a heavy obstruction limiting the free-flowing movement of Water through your Pipes.
Eventually, as this debris collects together, it will create large mounds of solid waste called “fatbergs” in larger urban sewer systems made up primarily of grease, oil, and fatty substances combined with Wipes.
Fatbergs can cost municipalities thousands of dollars annually to remove. Furthermore, these large collections of debris can also cause backup of raw sewage into homes and businesses.
4. What are the indicators that you have developed a clog caused by Flushing Wipes?
If you habitually flush Wipes, watch out for indicators that something is wrong with your plumbing system. Some indicators of possible clogging caused by Flushing Wipes include:
Recurring Toilet clogs: it seems like every time you try to flush waste from the Toilet it gets stuck.
Slow Flushing: more time than normal elapses until Water completely drains from the Toilet.
Unusual gurgling sounds: the Toilet or other drains produce odd bubbling noises.
More than one Slow drain: all at once, you start noticing that three to four different fixtures are draining poorly.
Raw sewage smell: you can detect unpleasant odors emanating from somewhere in your home indicating a problem with your plumbing or possibly your sewer line.
If you notice any of these signs in two or more separate locations or if you find yourself experiencing multiple instances of backed-up sewage into your home due to Slow-moving drains or plugged sewer lines – stop using those fixtures and call a licensed plumber to help you determine what is going on with your system.
5. What else should i only use to flush down my Toilet?
Using the least complicated method to treat your Toilet is essential for keeping it running smoothly. Generally speaking, the only things that belong in a Toilet are human waste and regular Toilet paper.
Don’t put the following household items in the Toilet:
Wipes (both disposable and reusable)
Baby Wipes
Paper towels
Tissues (facial)
Cotton balls and q-tips
Hygiene products for women
Dental floss
Diapered babies
You must remember that even if an item is marketed as biodegradable, septic-safe or Flushable, there is always a possibility that it can harm your plumbing system. Follow one simple rule: only flush human waste and regular Toilet paper in the Toilet. Throw everything else away!
6. How can i prevent Toilet backups and clogs and protect my home’s plumbing system?
It is easier to prevent clogs created by wiping materials than it is to deal with a clogged drain or severely damaged sewer line. Fortunately, by establishing some basic routines, you can help ensure that your plumbing system works well and continues to work well.
Place unused Wipes in the garbage. Use a small trash container next to the Toilet for easy disposal.
Use regular Toilet paper responsibly. Don’t dispose of excess quantities at one time unless you know your Toilet will be able to handle it.
Be aware of early warning signs. Deal with recurrent clogs, Slow Flushing, and odd-sounding drain noises before they become worse problems.
Stay away from harsh chemicals for unclogging your drains. Chemicals can damage specific parts of your plumbing system and hardly ever solve a persistent clog caused by accumulating Wipes.
Schedule professional drain cleaning. If you consistently experience blocked drains or clogged sewers in your home, a plumber will be able to check your Pipes for any damage or obstructions.
A plumber may utilize a drain snake or camera inspection tool to locate stubborn obstructions in your Pipes and diagnose any underlying problems with your plumbing system.
7. At what point should i contact a licensed plumber?
You can probably fix a single clogged Toilet with a plunger. But repeated Blockages typically indicate a larger plumbing issue. If your Toilet frequently backs up, multiple drains become Slow or you notice raw sewage odors, call a licensed plumber who can assess your entire plumbing system and determine if you require drain cleaning or repairs to your sewer line.
Not only can this process help minimize future costs associated with maintaining your home’s plumbing system, but it will also give you peace-of-mind knowing that you’ve taken steps toward avoiding further damage and expense.
Final thoughts — get rid of Flushable wipe material from your toilets
Is Flushing wipe material safe for my plumbing? Unfortunately — no! Even though manufacturer’s advertise them as easy-to-use and easy-to-flush (Flushable), many types of wipe material will not break-down as quickly as traditional Toilet paper and therefore may create problems for your plumbing including clogged drains, backing up toilets and/or blocking your sewer line.
But fortunately — protecting your plumbing is fairly easy. Simply refrain from placing anything except for human waste and regular Toilet paper in the Toilet and toss everything else in the trash.