Can Flushable Wipes Damage My Plumbing?

Have you ever used flushable wipes and wondered if they might be harming your plumbing? 



Even though these products are labeled "flushable," there have been a growing number of issues where they were believed to have caused plumbing problems like clogs and sewage overflow.

Can flushable wipes damage my plumbing?

While some wipe brands break down in water easily, the truth is flushable wipes are not really flushable at all. In fact, they can damage your drains and pipes. 

This post will expose the truth about flushable wipes and how they can spell disaster for your plumbing system.

What Are Flushable Wipes?

Wipes are disposable sheets that can be used for a variety of hygienic and cleaning purposes. These include baby wipes, wet toilet paper, and industrial degreasers.

What Are They Made Of?

Flushable wipes are made from polymers that are constructed from non-woven materials. Some examples are cellulose and wood pulp. 

To make them stronger, manufacturers combine them with synthetic fibers like polyethylene and polypropylene. The fibers are squeezed with binders and other ingredients to create a sheet after being spun into a tangled mat. 

Depending on their intended use, they can be formulated with cleaning agents, preservatives, and other chemicals. 

Are Flushable Wipes Safe To Flush?

Can flushable wipes damage my plumbing? Regardless of what the product label says, never flush flushable wipes down the toilet or you may encounter plumbing issues. Only toilet paper and natural waste are safe to dispose of in your toilet bowl. 

Even then, not all toilet paper is flushable since they don’t all dissolve as easily.

If you need more proof, consider this resident who had to spend $3,300 on a new sewage pump. After using his toilet to get rid of flushable wipes, this homeowner was so inconvenienced and upset that he wrote about the issue to the Washington Post. An experienced master plumber replied that these wipes are indeed problematic for plumbing systems.

Although flushable wipes are practical and offer a deeper clean than dry tissues, they can create a variety of problems with your home's plumbing system. If they aren’t properly disposed of, you may be risking issues with your septic system, sewage backups, and even burst pipes.

How Flushable Wipes Can Damage Your Plumbing System

Despite their obvious conveniences, it’s a good idea to be more mindful of how you dispose of your flushable wipes. When they travel down your toilet, they don’t dissolve as easily as toilet paper. 

Instead, they remain intact and get stuck in bends and narrow pipes. They can also form clogs in drains and sewers. The obstructions they create can result in costly plumbing repair bills, sewer overflows, and water damage to your home. Additionally, the materials used in many flushable wipes are not biodegradable, so they will remain in the environment indefinitely. This means that they may potentially cause harm to local wildlife and ecosystems. 

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid flushable wipes and stick to toilet paper. 

How To Prevent Flushable Wipes From Damaging Your Plumbing