Flushable Wipes Sewer Clogs
Why You Should Not Flush Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes are not really flushable. These wipes cause a lot of clogs and most plumbing companies and HOA’s consider them “abuse to the sewer line.”
Wet wipes are marketed to consumers as “flushable” but they are not. Parents looking for the perfect wet wipes for their baby, elderly people looking for effective wiping solutions, or just anybody looking for easy and convenient wipes thinks “flushable” sounds wonderful. However, these wipes are not sewer and drain friendly. The term “flushable” is not regulated, so many companies use this label as a marketing tool.
What happens when you flush a flushable wipe?
Flushable wipes fail to break apart or disintegrate in toilet water so they clog up your sewer lines and result in other issues.
Most everyday consumers do not realize that flushing these wipes creates significant problems to their drains, sewage planets, and the environment. Below are reasons you should refrain from flushing these wipes in your sewer or drain lines.
Wipes Do Not Disintegrate
In 1857 Joseph Gayette invented what we now know as modern, commercially available toilet tissue.
Toilet paper was designed to dissolve in water. The disintegration begins in a few minutes after flushing. In contrast, flushable wipes are strengthened with synthetic materials. These strengthening materials prevent the wipes from breaking down and increases the chances of your sewer line clogging versus regular toilet paper.
Clearing a sewer line clogged with flushable wipes is a serious endeavor. The process can take hours with experienced plumbers with professional equipment. Flushable wipes an even result in sewer backup, which are not a pretty sight.
Problem for Sewage Treatment Plants
Flushable wipes can create solid waste masses that result in havoc for sewage treatment plants, that can cost municipalities millions in cost to address these problems. These solid waste masses consist of mainly flushable wipes that bind with cooking oil and grease existing in the sewer line. If people stop flushing flushable wipes, facial tissues, and other non-flushable paper, this could save your city money and time.
Septic Tanks and Flushable Wipes
Septic tanks also have problems handling flushable wipes. These wipes cause major blockages in septic tanks, resulting in backed-up bathtubs, drains, and sinks. Solving these issues could cost you thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, in some cases you may have to replace the septic system.
Effect on the Environment
Outside of your sewer lines, flushable wipes also are bad for the environment. During heavy rainfalls, sewers can overflow, and these wipes end up in local rivers and streams. Animals may consume these wipes, causing digestive tract blockages resulting in starvation, or suffocation.
How to Protect Your Drain and Sewer Lines, and the Environment
Here are practical ways to keeping your plumbing systems working properly, protect them from damage, and help the environment:
- Throw flushable wipes in the trash can: If you cannot part with using wet wipes, make sure to toss them into the trash versus flushing them down the toilet.
- Use toilet sprays: Toilet sprays can be applied to regular toilet paper to imitate the cleansing effect of flushable wipes. You can even buy these in different scents and for sensitive skin.
- Use biodegradable or compostable wipes: As a result of people becoming more aware of the problems flushable wipes cause, the companies making wet wipes are beginning to make biodegradable and compostable wipes. Read the labels to find these products. However, these wipes should still not be flushed down the toilet because they take much longer than regular toilet paper to dissolve. But you can use these wipes in compost piles and bins.
- All Purpose Cleaners and Reusable Washcloths: Replace single-use disinfecting wipes with high quality, toxic free, and biodegradable all-purpose cleaners and reusable cloths. These together help you clean grime and germs effectively without causing drain and sewer system clogs.
- Bidets and accessories: European solutions are gaining traction in the USA. Bidets and bidet attachments for your current toilet provide a better solution than wet wipes. Bidets spray controllable jets of cleansing water to help you eliminate wiping. In addition, these can help you same goods amounts of money on toilet paper and wipes, while decreasing the stress on your septic tank or sewer systems
- Spread the Word: Share what you have learned with others about the hazards of flushable wipes and the alternative solutions. This can help protect your municipal sewer lines, sewer treatment plants, and the environment.
About Planet Plumbing & Drain
Planet Plumbing & Drain is a Colorado based company and has been serving Boulder, Broomfield, Weld, Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, and Jefferson counties since 1997! We are open 7 days a week!
Every one of our plumbing technicians is experienced and trained in clearing toilet clogs, compete toilet repair, installation and replacement services. No overtime fees and free estimates. There is no charge for on-site estimates when needed.
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Call Planet Plumbing & Drain today at (303) 440-4330 to schedule your Plumbing service.
