What Makes Flushable Wipes “Flushable”?

The reason these wipes are touted as flushable is the fact that they do break down eventually. The problem with flushable wipes, is they are made out of a thicker material, which enables them to be effective, however the thicker the material, the longer it will take to disintegrate. Which is where the problem lies.   

Why Flushable Wipes Aren't Really Flushable

Despite the fact that flushable wipes are designed to disintegrate, does not mean they cannot cause a problem. In a perfect world, where your plumbing pipes are free of any debris, these wipes would easily move right along. However, over time most plumbing pipes will have some buildup. This enables the wipes to get stuck and collect debris like hair, dental floss, and cotton swabs, among other things. What’s more, if they make it to the sewer system there is more potential for them to collect even more debris, leading to clogs that can affect the whole neighborhood. 

The Problem With Flushable Wipes

Flushable wipes have gained in popularity over the last several years. The increase in their usage has led to plumbing problems in cities all over the world, as well as wipes washing up on shores of beaches everywhere. In addition to not being all that flushable after all, consumers don’t always pay attention to the type of wipes they are using, and inadvertently flush non-disposable wipes. This had led to some bills being drafted that affect the way a company can market their product, and many companies that manufacture disposable wipes are now putting do not flush labels on the front of their packaging.  

So What Can You Do?

Toilet paper is the only thing that should be flushed down the drain. It disintegrates almost instantly, which makes it suitable for your plumbing. Everything else, should be disposed of in the trash can, even if it says it is flushable. Flushing anything other than toilet paper is a gamble, this includes decomposing and non-decomposing wipes. Failure to watch what get flushed down the drain can lead to serious plumbing problems down the road. In addition, remember that everything you flush can eventually make its way into our rivers, lakes, streams, and oceans.   If flushable wipes have already made it down your drains, stop flushing them now. You may want to consider having your drains cleaned to remove any buildup that could potentially cause a clog. To learn more or to schedule your drain cleaning contact Rooter Hero today!  

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