The truth about flushable wipes and your plumbing after fecal accidents

When it comes to dealing with accidents involving feces, it’s natural to reach for what seems like the most convenient solution—flushable wipes. However, despite their name, these wipes can cause significant problems for your plumbing system. Here’s what you need to know:

Firstly, the term “flushable” can be misleading. While manufacturers might claim that these wipes are safe to flush, the reality is that they don’t break down like toilet paper. Toilet paper disintegrates quickly in water, but flushable wipes maintain their strength even when wet. This means they can snag on pipe joints and accumulate in your pipes, leading to clogs and blockages.

These clogs can cause immediate issues like slow flushing, gurgling sounds, or even rising water in your toilet. Over time, the problem can escalate, resulting in costly repairs. The damage isn’t limited to your home; these wipes can also wreak havoc on local wastewater treatment plants. Cities and homeowners spend millions of dollars annually to deal with the mess caused by these supposedly flushable wipes.

Consumer Reports has conducted tests showing that even after being swirled in water or mixed with other substances, flushable wipes do not break down. This contradicts the claims made by some manufacturers, who blame clogs on non-flushable wipes or other items.

So, what can you do instead? The simplest solution is to throw away wet wipes in the trash rather than flushing them. This might seem inconvenient, but it’s a small price to pay compared to the potential plumbing bills you could face.

In summary, while flushable wipes might seem like a convenient option, they are not as safe for your plumbing as you might think. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and dispose of them properly to avoid costly plumbing problems.