Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush? Let's Dive In!

Posted by Dalton Kelly
2
Jun 23, 2024
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Remember the first time you swapped toilet paper for a wet wipe? At first, it was a little weird, but soon enough, you were totally sold! Wet wipes can feel like a miracle for personal hygiene. However, despite their convenience, they might not be the plumbing superheroes we all thought they were. Sure, the packaging claims they’re “flushable,” but are they really?

The Truth About “Flushable” Wipes

So, those wet wipes are marketed as “flushable” and “septic safe.” It’s tempting to believe you can toss them in the toilet without a second thought. Unfortunately, this is where things get a little murky. While these wipes do break down eventually, they take their sweet time compared to good old toilet paper. Because they break down so slowly, they’re notorious for causing clogs and blockages, putting your plumbing at serious risk. And let's be real, no one wants to deal with the hefty plumbing bills that come with a major clog.

Which “Flushable” Products Cause Blockages?

Once these so-called “flushable” wipes make their way into your plumbing, they often team up with other notorious clog causers. We're talking thick toilet paper, paper towels, cotton swabs, dental floss, sanitary pads, and toilet cleaning pads – all the usual suspects that shouldn’t be flushed but somehow end up in the toilet. The result? A gnarly blockage known as “ragging.” When this unholy alliance of plumbing villains wreaks havoc on your pipes, it’s time to break out your phone and call a plumber.

Should I Flush “Flushable” Wipes?

Here’s the scoop: manufacturers might show off test results claiming their wipes are safe to flush, but real-world evidence tells a different story. Flushing these wipes can increase the risk of clogged sewer lines and might mean more frequent septic tank pumping’s. Even though wipes can feel like the greatest invention since sliced bread, it's better to stick with trusty toilet paper. After all, toilet paper is designed to be the only thing (besides, you know, the obvious) that goes down the toilet.

What Do I Do If Wipes Have Already Clogged My Toilet?


So, you’ve learned the hard way that not everything flushable is your plumbing’s friend. If your toilet has already fallen victim to “flushable” wipes, don’t panic! Frequent clogs are a sign that there’s an underlying problem that needs fixing. And guess what? Admiral Plumbing TN is here to save the day, no matter how big or small the clog.

Admiral Plumbing offers prompt and efficient repair services for urgent plumbing issues, ensuring quick resolution to protect your home’s comfort.

Call Admiral PlumbingTN at (901) 4458495 to schedule plumbing services in Arlington, Atoka, Bartlett, and Collierville, TN. Our expert plumbers are ready to tackle your toughest clogs and keep your plumbing in top shape.

Fun Facts and Tips

  • Toilet Paper vs. Wipes: Toilet paper is designed to disintegrate quickly in water, making it safe for flushing. Wipes, on the other hand, are made to be durable and moist, which means they don’t break down as easily.
  • Alternative Solutions: If you love the feel of wipes but want to protect your plumbing, consider using them and then tossing them in the trash instead of the toilet. There are also biodegradable wipes that break down more easily, though they still aren’t perfect.
  • Preventive Maintenance: Regularly maintaining your plumbing can help prevent clogs. Simple steps like not flushing anything other than toilet paper and human waste, and regularly cleaning drains, can go a long way.
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