It may seem like a silly question. After all, they’re called “flushable” Flush flushable wipes wipes for a reason, right? Well, as your mom may have told you, “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should”.
Read on to learn why flushable wipes, while convenient, are not as harmless to your home’s plumbing system as you may think.
What Are flushable wipes?
Flushable wipes are moist towelettes that manufacturers claim to be safe for plumbing systems. For many, they outshine toilet paper due to their cleansing quality and ability to be flushed away. Some people have gone as far as replacing their toilet paper with flushable wipes entirely. But flushable wipes may be more problematic than you realize.
Are flushable wipes Bad for Plumbing?
Flushable wipes are made to be more durable to soak up the liquid cleanser they sit in. This means they take longer to dissolve in water. Considering that even toilet paper (which is made to degrade quickly) can cause a nasty clog if you flush enough of it down the drain, flushing so-called flushable wipes can result in frequent clogs and blockages, sewage backups, septic system issues, burst pipes, and extensive repairs. As you continue to flush additional wipes, the blockage can become massive and more problematic.
flushable wipes and Septic Systems
Even if they make it through the plumbing in your home, flushable wipes don’t disintegrate fast enough to safely pass through the septic system. A clog in the septic tank can cause sewage to flood your yard where the tank sits. This sewage can flood the drain field, damage your home, and create a major health hazard.
If you routinely flush wipes down the toilet, keep an eye out for these signs of trouble:
- Water accumulating around the septic system
- Surrounding grass and trees begin to seem more colorful
- A sulfur smell outside your home
- Sinks and showers are slow to drain
Flushable Wipes and Sewer Systems
Not only are flushable wipes harmful to your home’s plumbing, but they are also harmful to sewer systems. Even if flushable wipes pass through a home’s sewer pipes without issue, they can still wreak havoc at your town’s sewage treatment plant, putting the integrity of the whole sewer system at risk. Water shortages and citywide plumbing problems can arise when a town’s sewage plant is not running smoothly. This could end up culminating in millions of tax dollars in repairs to both households and your city’s infrastructure.
Don’t Flush Flushable Wipes Down the Toilet
At Norhio Plumbing, we strongly suggest that you avoid flushing anything down the toilet, with the exception of toilet paper. Flushing anything else down the toilet, even if it’s marketed as “flushable”, runs the risk of causing serious damage to your plumbing and/or septic system.
If you encounter any plumbing problems, regardless of the cause, contact Norhio Plumbing. Our capable and experienced team is always ready to tackle your latest plumbing challenge.
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