Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?
Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?
It’s hard to go back to toilet paper once you feel the soft touch of wet wipes. After all, who can blame you? These flushable wipes offer a new level of comfort that instantly hooks the user.
However, are flushable wipes safe for your septic system? It’s not enough to trust labels these days. What you need is answers from a professional plumbing business with years of experience. Read on to learn more.
Wait — Have You Read the Package?
Most people end up purchasing wet wipes before fully reading the package. Always ensure you double-check whether that particular brand is flushable. Sometimes, shoppers end up assuming every package is flushable because they know such products exist.
However, do not flush wet wipes unless they are marketed as flushable and safe. It is quite easy to be led astray by confusing packages. A closer look will help you identify wipes that explicitly warn of flushing them down the toilet.
Yes, such wipes will go down the toilet just fine. However, they could lead to serious damage that will cost you a fortune. Nothing can ruin your day more than a clogged toilet.
Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?
Because something is labeled as flushable doesn’t mean it is safe for your toilet. Items that you flush down the toilet tend to accumulate and cause blockage in your pipes. These items will lead to serious damage if they do not disintegrate when they reach the sewer system. These scenarios will force you to change wastewater equipment, which can be very expensive.
With flushable wipes, they tend to take a lot of time to break down, because the breakdown process isn’t as rapid as toilet paper. Wipes will clog your pipes and cause frequent blockages. You, therefore, put your entire home’s plumbing at risk of severe clogs.
Toilet paper is entirely different from flushable wipes. It is made from plant-based or loose tree material that quickly disintegrates when mixed with water. You will notice that toilet paper used to wipe down a wet surface will instantly turn into a wet pulp.
Wipes, on the other hand, will hold up the water and stay intact. The breakdown process can take a few hours, depending on the brand. The same thing happens to your toilet when you flush these wipes. Cleaning wipes, for instance, are specially designed to stay strong for longer – making them bad for your pipes.
Should I Use Flushable Wipes?
Manufacturers tend to state that flushable wipes are designed for your toilets. However, this isn’t true according to our plumbing professionals. They all reveal that these flushable wet wipes cause serious damage to your plumbing.
Therefore, you shouldn’t flush these wipes down the toilet. They increase the chances of having a clogged sewer line. You will need septic tank plumbing every few months, thus increasing your plumbing bill.
But the Label Says They are Flushable Wipes?
It can be quite confusing to have someone tell you that flushable wipes aren’t safe for your toilet. You’ve read the packaging and it clearly states that these wipes can go down your toilet. Therefore, it’s only natural to start questioning everything.
Well, there is no governing body that validates these claims by manufacturers. These companies, therefore, have no obligation to prove the statements on every package. The flushable wipes label is, therefore, done in the honor of the producers.
There is no way that you, the consumer, can prove the reliability of the “flushable” claim by manufacturers. You don’t even know the testing done to validate the claim, therefore, it’s best to avoid flushing wet wipes down the toilet for now.
What About Baby Wipes? Are They Flushable?
No, do not flush baby wipes because they are built for durability. It will take a lot of time to break down in your pipes and sewer system, thus leading to clogging. Instead, dispose of them appropriately. You don’t want to deal with all the mess that comes with a blocked toilet.
What Can I Safely Flush?
Toilet paper is the ONLY thing (other than the obvious) that you should flush down the toilet. The “flush nothing but toilet paper” sign in a private and public washroom is there for a reason. Forget about the “flushable” products like paper towels, wipes, and tampon cores that seem to be everywhere.
Below is a list of all the so-called “flushable” products that can cause severe damage to your home plumbing:
- Cotton swabs
- Sanitary pads
- Dental floss
- Thick toilet paper
- Toilet cleaning pads
- Paper towels
Flushing any of the above items along with flushable wet pipes leads to something known as “ragging”. Luckily, our certified plumbers can help you remedy such situations. Ensure you reach out immediately to avoid further damage.
How Do I Know My Septic System is Full?
Your septic system might quickly get full if you continuously flush flushable wet wipes down the toilet. However, how can you identify that your cesspool is full? Ensure you contact us today if you notice any of the following signs:
- Water is leaking onto your lawn – usually close to where your septic system is installed
- Grass and trees in your yard are healthier or more vibrant than usual
- There is a foul odor every time you step outside
- Water in your tub or sink is draining slower than usual
What Do I Do If I Have a Clog?
Call a certified plumber immediately if you notice a clogged toilet in your home. Taking immediate action will help you avoid hefty plumbing bills due to further damage. At Silver State, we offer a wide range of services – including plumbing, commercial & residential HVAC, and commercial refrigeration – to ensure you live a more comfortable life. Ensure you contact us today to eliminate any plumbing issues in your home.
