Can Flushable Wipes Really Be Flushed?
Do you recall the first time you substituted a wet wipe for toilet paper? You weren’t sure how you felt about it at first, but after a few more trips to the restroom, you were hooked! While they do a terrific job cleaning, they aren’t the hero we thought they were when we first bought them. These wipes are labelled “flushable,” but are they truly safe to flush?
THE REAL DEAL ON “FLUSHABLE” WIPES
Wet wipes are labelled as “flushable” and “septic-safe,” so flushing them down the toilet should be no problem, right? Wrong! Even while these wipes eventually degrade, they do so at a slower rate than toilet paper. Because wet wipes do not degrade as quickly, blocked pipes and obstructions develop more frequently. Putting your home’s plumbing at danger of significant blockages will result in expensive plumbing expenditures for you.
WHICH “FLUSHABLE” PRODUCTS ARE LIABLE TO BLOCKAGES?
When these so-called “flushable” wipes are flushed, they might become entangled with other things in your sewage pipe. Commonly flushed items that lead to clogs and backups include thick toilet paper, paper towels, cotton swabs, dental floss, sanitary pads, and toilet cleaning pads.
When these substances are combined with wet wipes, they form a sloppy obstruction known as “ragging.” When this happens to you, get out your phone and begin looking for a plumber.
DO I NEED TO FLUSH FLUSHABLE WIPES?
Manufacturers give test findings indicating that flushable wipes are safe to flush; nonetheless, there is evidence that flushing these wipes can raise the risk of blocked sewage lines and necessitate more frequent septic tank pumping. Even if wipes appear to be the greatest invention since sliced bread, you should avoid using them. Other than “the obvious,” toilet paper is supposed to be the only item flushed.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY TOILET HAS ALREADY BEEN CLOGGED BY WIPES?
Just because someone says something does not automatically imply that it is true. The same holds true for your favourite “flushable” washroom wipes and their misleading packaging. When you have regular blockages in your house (whether you use wet wipes or not), there is an underlying problem that must be addressed. SWR Plumbing is always ready to take your call, no matter how big or tiny the blockage is! Call us at 1800 255 372 to learn more or to make an appointment.