Despite teasing consumers for decades, so-called "flushable" wipes can lead to a cascade of problems within home plumbing and wastewater systems. The key issue lies in their composition and durability. Unlike toilet paper which breaks down easily in water, disposable wipes can't disintegrate as rapidly. This can result in a series of complications that impact both individual plumbing and broader wastewater infrastructure.
Avoid putting these other types of wipes and sanitary products down the toilet:
- Paper towels
- Wet wipes (such as traditional baby wipes)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Cotton swabs
- Dental floss
- Disinfecting wipes
- Toilet seat collars
- Any synthetic materials
1. Leads to Clogged Pipes
"The only things that should be flushed are toilet paper and waste from your body’s natural disposal system," explains Deborah Albero-Darata, franchise owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Virginia Beach, a Neighborly company. Flushable wipes don't break down easily enough in water, despite what manufacturers claim. This buildup causes accumulation of the wipes, and clumps of wipes can easily clogs pipes and sewer systems. This can lead to backups and dreaded sewer overflows.
2. Can Cause Cracks and Leaks in Drain Pipes
The durability of flushable wipes contributes to stress on drain and sewer pipes, potentially leading to cracks or leaks over time. "These wipes do not break down easily like toilet paper and can accumulate in sewer pipes, leading to blockages and backups," reminds Albero-Darata. "As they do not disintegrate quickly, these wipes can also cause clogs in home plumbing, leading to costly repairs and potential sewage backups."
3. Creates Issues for Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities
When flushable wipes survive the treatment process, it can lead to problems in municipal plumbing systems. They may not break down enough in the sewer lines, leading to equipment malfunctions and increased maintenance costs at water treatment plants.
4. Increases Accumulation of Solids in a Septic Tank
If the wipes make their way into the septic tank and don't clog in the pipes along the way, they can contribute to the accumulation of solids. Over time, this can reduce the septic tank's capacity and efficiency and require the homeowner to pay to have their tank pumped more frequently.
5. Damages Pump and Motor Systems
In aerobic treatment units or systems with pumps and motors, flushable wipes can cause mechanical issues by clogging pumps and damaging motors. This can escalate the need for repairs or replacement parts.
6. Poor Environmental Impact
When flushable wipes reach water bodies, they contribute to pollution, harm aquatic life, and degrade water quality. Their resilience in natural environments exacerbates their negative effects.
In septic systems, If the wipes do not break down in the septic system and instead reach the drainfield or leach field, they can contribute to soil clogging. This can compromise the ability of the soil to effectively treat and filter wastewater, potentially leading to environmental issues.
7. Increased Maintenance Costs
Municipalities and wastewater treatment facilities face higher costs associated with the removal of flushable wipes from the system. This can lead to increased maintenance expenses, potentially passed on to consumers.
How can you know if a “flushable” wipe is safe for your plumbing system?
"It is important to look for products labeled as dispersible or designed to disintegrate quickly in water," suggests Albero-Darata. "However, the safest approach is to err on the side of caution and avoid flushing any wipes, even those labeled as flushable."
How to Avoid Expensive Repairs
"The average cost to repair a plumbing system affected by damage from non-flushable items can vary widely depending on the extent of the issue," says Albero-Darata. "Minor clogs may be resolved with simple DIY solutions or the assistance of a plumber, typically costing a few hundred dollars. However, more severe blockages or backups may require professional intervention, such as hydrojetting. The expenses can escalate further if there is damage to fixtures, flooring, or walls due to water leaks or sewage backups, resulting in thousands in damages and repairs."
To avoid these issues, remember to dispose of wipes, even those labeled as flushable, in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet. By adhering to proper waste disposal practices you can reduce environmental impact, and minimize the ripple-down effect that flushable wipes have on wastewater treatment facilities.
