Can Flushable Wipes Be Safely Flushed Down the Toilet?

When wipes aren't properly broken down, they can end up in rivers and oceans, posing a threat to marine life and ecosystems.

There’s no denying that flushable wipes are convenient. They are soft, clean reasonably well, and usually smell amazing.

However, many aren’t sure if “flushable” wipes are indeed flushable. Let’s find out.

The flushable debate

It may seem simple: the packaging says “flushable” or “toilet safe,” so that must mean they are flushable. But that’s not necessarily true. The main issue with flushable wipes, or those that claim to be flushable, is that many don’t break down as quickly as regular toilet paper.

The discrepancy may not be a substantial issue if used only periodically and in relatively small volumes. However, using them regularly, for example, as a substitute for toilet paper, can cause plumbing problems and environmental concerns.

The plumbing predicament

Regarding potential plumbing problems, too many wipes cause clogs and blocks. Flushable wipes that don’t have time to break down might collect in the pipes and clog them up. The clogs, particularly more considerable ones, may be expensive to fix.

Municipal sewer systems suffer, too. Accumulated wipes, non-flushable paper, hygienic pads, and other items people shouldn’t dispose of in this way cause blockages and damage equipment.

Environmental impact

When wipes can’t or don’t manage to break down, their journey won’t end at the sewage treatment plant, either. Those that escape initial filtering might end up in rivers and oceans. Like other waste that shouldn’t accumulate in nature, it can threaten marine life and ecosystems.

What the experts say

Plumbers and sewage treatment professionals advise caution. Ideally, avoid flushing wipes and other questionable items whenever possible. The damage and disruption that seemingly harmless products can cause when they accumulate and clog up pipes is potentially immense.

Furthermore, cities spend millions annually to combat problems caused by flushing objects other than human waste and toilet paper down the drain. The costs then trickle down to taxpayers, so consider the cost of convenience.

Alternatives

If in doubt, throw wet wipes, “flushable” or not, into the trash or stick to toilet paper. Some brands offer truly biodegradable wipes that won’t cause clogs. However, research and choose wisely before flicking a wipe into the toilet.

Read the package carefully. Even if a product says it’s flushable, it’s not guaranteed. The wipes are more likely to be flushable and tear easily when pulled apart. However, that doesn’t mean they will decompose easily or quickly, so keep that in mind. Check the package for materials and look up the safest possible choices.

Not always flushable

Sometimes, the price of convenience can be too high, which applies to even innocent-looking products like wet wipes. Even flushable wipes might not be as flush-friendly as everyone would hope. Stay vigilant, or play it safe by throwing them into the trash instead.

Trust Adaven Plumbing for an effectively and efficiently functioning plumbing system. We provide drain cleaning, water leak detection and repair, toilet repairs, home repiping, faucet repair and replacement, and slab leak detection and repair services in Las Vegas, Henderson, and Enterprise. Give us a call at 702-766-3320.