When purchasing wet wipes to use in place of or in addition to toilet paper, you might wonder whether they’re safe to flush. Many homeowners who flush these products down the toilet deal with clogged drains and damaged sewer systems. Are flushable wipes really flushable if they tend to clog toilets?
Discover why these products aren’t as safe for your plumbing system as companies would have you believe. In this guide, we’ll explain which items are safe to flush and how you can safeguard your plumbing system from harmful clogs. If you’re still having trouble, call a professional for assistance.
Should You Flush “Flushable” Wipes?
Wet wipe manufacturers claim their products are flushable and safe for septic and sewer systems. However, the flushability of these products isn’t quite what it seems. Advertisers can market these items as flushable because they break down over time, though the disintegration doesn’t happen nearly as quickly as it does with toilet paper.
Wipes are appealing because they’re stronger than toilet paper and make cleaning during each bathroom trip a breeze. But products like this only disintegrate after prolonged water exposure, whereas toilet paper breaks down at first contact. If you frequently dispose of flushable wipes in the toilet, you risk causing frequent clogs in your sewer line or septic system that require a drain cleaning or septic pumping service.
Learn how to unclog your toilet and recognize potential reasons it won’t flush. A licensed plumber can inspect any damage to your drain pipes or toilet and give you tips for keeping them in good condition.
Which Wet Wipes Are Actually Flushable?
Are flushable wipes really flushable, given the challenges they pose for plumbing systems? Advertisers would have you believe that using these products is good for the environment and cuts down on toilet paper waste. They can market wipes as flushable because the materials are technically biodegradable, but they break down at a much slower rate than toilet paper.
Products containing only polyethylene should never go down the toilet. Manufacturers who create products with polyethylene and cotton microfibers can claim these wipes are safe to flush. Plumbers, on the other hand, urge consumers to avoid flushing any products besides toilet paper to prevent harmful clogs.
Flushable Wipe Alternatives
Now you’re probably wondering what you can do to protect your plumbing system. While you’re free to keep using wet wipes, don’t flush them down the toilet if you want to avoid clogs. Below are some expert-approved alternatives to flushing so-called flushable wipes.
- Throw all wet wipes in the trash: There’s no denying wet wipes have their advantages. If you continue using them, place them in a garbage bin rather than flushing them down the toilet.
- Install a bidet: If you want to leave a positive environmental impact, using a bidet can keep you clean after each bathroom trip, eliminating the need for paper products or wet wipes. Consult a plumbing professional to learn whether a bidet system is the right choice for your household.
- Use toilet paper only: Human waste and toilet paper are the only items meant to be flushed down toilets. Use toilet paper as your primary bathroom hygiene product, and you won’t have to worry about the dangers of flushable wipes.
Making these adjustments in your home can help you save money on potential plumbing repairs and drain cleaning services. Discover the difference they can make in your house.
Call Hutchinson for Your Home Plumbing Needs
How can you tell when your toilet needs to be replaced? Will clogged toilets resolve on their own? Are flushable wipes really flushable?
The plumbing professionals at Hutchinson can answer these questions and more. We specialize in everything from toilet installation to faucet repair and water heater services. Reach out to our team whenever you have a clogged toilet or other plumbing emergency, and we’ll provide a solution.
We’re available 24/7 to give New Jersey homeowners peace of mind during a plumbing emergency. Call us at (856) 420-7018, or use our online booking tool to request a residential plumbing service.