Remember the first time you tried a wet wipe instead of toilet paper? At first, you might have been unsure, but soon you were hooked! While they’re great for cleaning up, they’re not the miracle solution we thought they were. The packaging says “flushable,” but are they truly safe to flush?
The Truth About “Flushable” Wipes
Wet wipes are labeled as “flushable” and “septic-safe,” so it seems fine to flush them, right? Not quite! Although these wipes do break down eventually, they take much longer than toilet paper. This slower breakdown can lead to clogged pipes and costly plumbing issues.
What Causes Blockages?
When you flush these “flushable” wipes, they can get stuck with other items in your sewer line. Common culprits include thick toilet paper, paper towels, cotton swabs, dental floss, sanitary pads, and toilet cleaning pads. Together with wet wipes, these items can create serious blockages known as “ragging.” When this happens, you’ll likely need to call a plumber.
So, Should You Flush Flushable Wipes?
Manufacturers claim their wipes are safe to flush, but evidence shows they can still cause clogged sewer lines and require more frequent septic tank pumping. While wet wipes might seem amazing, it’s best to stick with toilet paper as the only thing you flush (besides the obvious!).
What If Wipes Have Already Clogged My Toilet?
Just because something is labeled as “flushable” doesn’t mean it’s true. If you’re dealing with frequent clogs—whether you use wet wipes or not—there could be a bigger issue at play. Len The Plumber is here to help, no matter the size of the clog! To learn more or schedule an appointment, call us at:+356 7939 1008
