What Plumbers Want You to Know About Flushable Wipes
In recent years, flushable wipes have become a popular bathroom staple for many households. They promise convenience and cleanliness, but for professional plumbers, they’ve become a leading cause of plumbing problems. If you've been dealing with slow drains, a clogged toilet, or even sewage backups, these wipes might be the culprit.
We know, we know, but even if the package says they're safe to flush, flushable wet wipes are one of the biggest causes of sewer line blockages, septic system overloads, and expensive repairs to your home’s plumbing.
Let’s break down with Complete Plumbing why these wipes are so problematic and what you can do instead to avoid costly repairs and unnecessary plumbing service calls.
About Flushable Wipes vs. Traditional Toilet Paper
At first glance, flush wipes and traditional toilet paper may seem interchangeable. But they’re made from very different materials. While toilet paper is made from wood pulp that breaks down quickly in water, most wipes are made with synthetic materials like plastics and fibers that don't disintegrate easily.
This means that when you flush a wipe, it doesn't dissolve like flush toilet paper. Instead, it often gets stuck in the curved part of your toilet, inside your sewer pipes, or deeper in the septic tank or city sewer system.
Consumer Reports and even the Environmental Protection Agency have issued warnings about these wipes, especially for older plumbing systems that are less forgiving.
What Happens After You Flush?
The short answer: Nothing good. Whether you're on a septic system or connected to the city’s entire sewer system, these wipes can cause big problems.
For homes with a septic tank, wipes don’t break down and will float around, eventually causing backups or requiring early pumping.
If you’re on a city sewer system, they contribute to massive clogs that can impact not just your home, but the wastewater treatment plants as well. In fact, major cities have spent millions removing wipes from their systems.
Plumbers frequently find serious clogs made of tangled wipes, paper towels, dental floss, and toilet cleaning pads. These clogs lead to sewage backups, water damage, and, in extreme cases, catastrophic damage that results in high plumbing costs.
Signs You Have a Flushable Wipes Problem
If you’re experiencing any of the following, it could be due to brands of flushable wipes in your system:
- Slow drains in sinks, tubs, or toilets
- Frequent need for a toilet snake
- Foul odors from your garbage disposal or drains
- Toilets that gurgle or don’t flush properly
- Backed-up sewage in your yard or drains
Don’t wait for a full-blown plumbing emergency. These are all signs that your plumbing system is stressed and needs help.
Better Options for a Cleaner Bathroom Routine
We know some people love the feel of wipes. But here are some better options that won’t destroy your sewage system:
- Stick with flush toilet paper that meets national standards for breakdown.
- Use a washing-up bowl or toilet-safe bidet to avoid the need for wipes.
- Keep a trash can near the toilet for baby wipes, toilet cleaning pads, and paper towels.
- Avoid thick or luxury toilet paper that takes longer to dissolve.
It might seem like a small change, but skipping wipes can prevent thousands in plumbing repairs in the long run.
When to Call a Plumbing Pro About Flushable Wipes
If you suspect a blockage or you’re facing repeated clogs, it’s time to call in the plumbing pros. A professional plumber can inspect your sewer line, recommend whether a sewage pump is needed, and even advise on using water pressure regulators or toilet snakes for ongoing maintenance.
Avoid using liquid drain cleaners, which can damage your pipes over time. Instead, schedule regular service with a trusted plumbing company.
Need help in Florida? Complete Plumbing and Drain offers fast, reliable service throughout the Tampa Bay area. Whether you’re dealing with a plumbing issue or just want an expert opinion, schedule service today and let our team handle the dirty work.
The "Bottom Line" For Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes may offer short-term convenience, but they’re a long-term headache for your plumbing system, your wallet, and the environment.
If you want to avoid sewer backups, plumbing issues, and high service call bills, stick with traditional toilet paper and leave the wipes out of the toilet.
Still having issues? Call 813-699-0684 or visit Complete Plumbing and Drain to talk to our experienced team and protect your pipes the smart way.