Why Can't You Flush "Flushable" Wet Wipes?
Understanding the dangers of Flushing Wet Wipes
Flushable wet wipes have become a staple in many bathrooms across the country, especially in the last decade or so. The sanitary product, once reserved for infants, has been adopted by the wider public and is available from a variety of brands. However, wastewater professionals and utility departments have been urging consumers to avoid flushing them down the toilet after use, despite the fact that the packaging very clearly indicates that they are safe to flush. So, what gives?
If you browse the aisles at the grocery store, you’ll see similar terms on the packaging of many products: naturally-raised meats, free range eggs, organic bread, fat free snacks, etc. And like many of these terms that are attributed to products, “flushable” is just a marketing gimmick to help sell products. It’s really that simple.
The companies that produce the wipes are under no restriction to prevent them from applying this terminology to their products, and since the wipes can technically and physically be flushed down a toilet, these companies have a right to continue using the term. It’s simple, flawed logic that has led to widespread plumbing problems for homeowners, businesses, and municipalities.
Some policies have been introduced in an attempt to prevent the “flushable” term from being used on packaging and advertisements. However, these attempts have met with significant resistance from the sanitary product industry. Some brands have met consumers halfway, adding small “Do not flush” text or a symbol indicating that the product is not meant to be flushed, despite the fact that the front of the package will often still refer to the wipes as flushable in big, bold letters that are more visible to the consumer.
Why aren't wet wipes flushable?
Toilet paper is designed to break down easily in water. If you soak it for long enough, it falls apart quite easily, and this process is expedited when the toilet paper is processed at a sewage treatment facility. The paper is essentially dissolved during the treatment process, making it an ideal solution for cleanup.
On the other hand, most wet wipes contain a significant amount of plastic that does not break down in water. A small number of wipes are produced using only wood pulp or cellulose, but the majority contain plastic synthetic fibers. Unlike traditional toilet paper, wipes are not affected by the treatment process and can cause significant buildups in these systems, causing damage over time. Baby wipes, in particular, have a much higher plastic content than other types of wet wipes, and you should absolutely never flush these.
Clogs caused by these wipes are becoming so common that the Lower Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority once experienced a sanitary sewer main clog that was caused entirely by flushable wipes.
How to safely dispose of flushable wipes
Simply put, you can dispose of flushable wipes by simply throwing them in a garbage bin. To prevent particles from escaping from your wipes into the air, consider using a small trash container with a lid and be sure to change out the lining inside your trash can regularly. Once the bin is full, dispose of the wipes just as you would any other garbage. Another thing to note is that flushable wipes are not recyclable. Despite the fact that they are made with plastic, they should be disposed of as you would traditional garbage.
Is there a safe alternative to wet wipes?
If you want to achieve the cleanliness that comes with using wet wipes, but you want to avoid using them, try having a bidet installed in your home. In conjunction with traditional toilet paper, this is a safe and effective solution that won’t endanger your plumbing. Some bidets are simple enough that most homeowners can install them on their own, but more advanced models, such as those that use warmed water, may need to be installed by a professional plumber.
What do I do if flushable wipes have clogged my drain?
If you suspect that wet wipes are the culprit in your clogged plumbing, you can certainly try to resolve the issue the old fashioned way using a plunger or similar tool. If that doesn’t do the trick, then your best bet is to reach out to a local plumbing professional who can help you determine the source of the clog and come up with a way to resolve it. You may need to get your sewer line inspected, or you might just need traditional drain cleaning services. If you’re local to Bucks County, Montgomery County, or the greater Philadelphia area, be sure to give McClain Bros. a call for all your plumbing needs!
Stay Connected – Sign Up for Our Newsletter!
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, updates, and tips on plumbing, HVAC, electrical, remodeling and more. Be the first to know about special promotions and news from McClain Bros!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact