Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

You’ve heard the adage, “Don’t believe everything you read.” That’s a great adage to keep in mind when you’re thinking about flushing a “flushable” wipe.

Are Flushable Wipes Safe for Plumbing?

No, flushable wipes are not safe for plumbing. In fact, one of the easiest ways to cause a clog or blockage in your pipes is by flushing “flushable wipes”. If you ask any plumber, they will tell you that flushable wipes are a nightmare on sewage and septic systems. Consumer reports looked at four major name-brands selling wipes that were marketed as “flushable”, and this is what they found:

Consumer Reports ran these flushable wipes through the same tests it puts regular toilet paper through, and the flushable wipes did not break up at all. Even after 10 minutes in a mixer – when regular toilet paper would have broken up – the flushable wipes were still not broken down or torn.
Wipes that are being marketed as “flushable” are in fact choking sewer lines and septic tanks and causing terrible problems for homeowners.
The packaging material on these wipes may make the claim that they are “flushable” or “safe for sewer or septic,” but the experience is proving that these claims are misleading. Even after 24 hours, the wipes often remain completely intact.
Not only are flushable wipes causing serious issues for homeowners with clogged lines and septic tanks, but flushable wipes are also damaging municipal sewer systems. In some cases, the flushable wipes are backing up lines. In other cases, they are damaging lift stations.

Is It Still Okay To Use Flushable Wipes?

If you’re determined to flush flushable wipes, you should be prepared to see for yourself whether or not the wipes break down, because when you have to call a plumber and he opens up your lines to clear the clog, you’re probably going to see those wipes again.

If you choose to use wipes, even those sold as “flushable,” our recommendation is that you do not flush them but instead through them into a trashcan after use.

If you’re dealing with a clogged toilet, call Dupree Plumbing today at 770-428-2291 or contact us online to schedule a plumbing service in Marietta!