Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?

If the label says “flushable,” then a wet wipe should be able to go right down the toilet, right? 

Wrong. 

Unfortunately, flushable wipes aren’t as flushable as advertised. Your friendly local plumbers at Five Star Home Services will explain this in more detail below. 

Although they might do a great job with the cleanup, they aren’t exactly the hero we thought they were when we first bought them.  

The Truth About “Flushable” Wipes

Wet wipes are marketed as “flushable” and “septic-safe.” Because of this, there should be no problem with flushing them down the toilet, right? Wrong! Even though these wipes eventually break down later, they take a lot more time than regular toilet paper. Because the breakdown of wet wipes isn’t as rapid, clogged pipes and blockages tend to occur more frequently. In short, putting your home’s plumbing at risk for serious clogs translates to hefty plumbing bills. 

Which “Flushable” Products Cause Blockages?

Once these so-called “flushable” wipes have been flushed down the toilet, they can get caught up with other items already inside your sewer lines. Things like thick toilet paper, paper towels, dental floss, cotton swabs, sanitary pads, and toilet cleaning pads are all commonly flushed items that contribute to clogs and backups. Adding wet wipes that were supposedly “flushable” to this combination of items with wet wipes can create a mess of a blockage known as “ragging.” When this happens to you, you really should get out your smart phone and ask google for a “plumber near me.” Better yet, call your friends here at Five Star Home Services! 

“Knowing this, should I flush “flushable” wipes?“

Although most manufacturers provide test results showing that “flushable” wipes are safe to flush — there is tons of evidence that say otherwise. Flushing these wipes can increase the risk of clogged sewer lines and require the pumping of septic tanks. Even if wet wipes feel like the greatest invention since sliced bread, you should still opt out of using them. In fact, toilet paper is really the only thing that should be flushed — other than the obvious waste we have no choice but to flush! 

“What Should I Do if Wipes Have Already Clogged My Toilet?“

Just because someone makes a claim, no matter how reputable it might seem, doesn’t always make it accurate. That same is true for your beloved “flushable” bathroom wipes with their deceptive packaging. When your home is experiencing frequent clogs (whether you use wet wipes or not), there is an underlying problem that you need a professional plumber like Five Star to address.  

Because of this, we at Five Star Home Services are always ready for your call, whether the clog is big or small! To learn more or to schedule an appointment, give us a call at (833) 405-8009. 

We proudly serve Greater Columbus, Greater Dayton, Greater Cincinnati, and surrounding areas!