Are flushable wipes really flushable? This is a question that many of us have asked ourselves while standing in the bathroom with a fresh pack of wet wipes in our hands. Let’s be real: using wet wipes to clean up after using the toilet has become a popular trend. They’re marketed as “flushable” and “septic-safe,” which means it’s perfectly fine to flush them down the toilet, right? Wrong! In this blog, we’re going to explore whether or not flushable wipes are actually flushable, and why they can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing.
So, Are Flushable Wipes Actually Flushable?
Oh, flushable wipes claim to be sewer-friendly and septic-safe, giving us the illusion that we can flush them down the toilet without a second thought. But are they really flushable? Spoiler alert: not exactly.
Despite what the label on the packaging may tell you, flushable wipes take longer to break down than good old-fashioned toilet paper. This means that these seemingly harmless wipes increase the risk of clogged pipes and blockages, which could result in some hefty plumbing bills. So, flushable wipes can potentially leave your bank account drained (pun intended).
And, if you think that flushing them down the toilet is the end of the story, you’re in for a surprise. These sneaky wipes can team up with other items in your sewer line, such as thick toilet paper, cotton swabs, paper towels, dental floss, sanitary pads, and toilet cleaning pads. Together, they can create a monster of a blockage known as “ragging” that can wreak havoc on your plumbing. So, you might want to think twice before you flush that wipe next time.
But don’t just take our word for it. Even though manufacturers may claim that flushable wipes are safe to flush, the evidence suggests that they can increase the risk of clogged sewer lines and require more frequent septic tank pumping. And let’s face it; nobody wants to deal with a sewer backup or sewage spill in their home. It’s a messy and costly situation to clean up.
How Flushable Wipes Can Damage Your Home’s Plumbing
The accumulation of wipes in the sewer line between the house and tank can cause a blockage, leading to backups and even flooding in your home. Additionally, wipes can build up at the inlet of the septic tank, reducing its ability to remove solids from the water discharging to your leach area. This can ultimately lead to the failure of your entire septic system, resulting in expensive repairs and replacement bills.
The issue with flushable wipes goes beyond just clogging pipes and septic tanks. In fact, flushing any chemicals, wipes, or other items into your septic tank can cause the waste-eating bacteria to die, leading to the breakdown of the entire system. This means that regular septic tank inspections and pumping become even more important when using wipes, as the bacteria in your system will need to be replenished more frequently.
I Have a Septic System. Are Flushable Wipes Septic Safe?
Plumbing and septic tank service companies are in agreement on this one – flushable wipes are not so flushable after all. Despite what the packaging may say, these pesky wipes don’t dissolve in septic tanks and can cause serious damage in the long run. It’s like a ticking time bomb waiting to go off in your pipes.
One plumbing company even said that flushing wipes down the toilet are one of the worst things you can do to your home’s plumbing. Yikes, that’s like inviting a pack of angry raccoons to your backyard BBQ. Trust us; you don’t want to deal with that mess.
Sure, the manufacturers will tell you that these wipes are safe to flush, but the evidence suggests otherwise. Flushing them can increase the risk of clogged sewer lines and require the pumping of septic tanks more often. And let’s be honest; nobody wants to pay for more frequent septic tank pumping. That’s like paying for a gym membership you never use – a waste of money and resources.
So, what’s the solution? Stick to good old-fashioned toilet paper, folks. It may not be as fancy as those flushable wipes, but it gets the job done without causing any damage to your septic system.
What to Do If “Flushable” Wipes Clog Your Plumbing
Are flushable wipes really flushable? Don’t take the packaging at face value – those seemingly harmless wipes can cause serious plumbing issues. If you’re experiencing frequent clogs in your home, it’s time to call in the experts. Our 24-hour emergency plumber at Custom Plumbing of Arizona is always on standby, ready to tackle any size clog. So don’t let the problem linger any longer – call us at 602-866-2665 to schedule an appointment and end those stubborn clogs for good!