We all seek convenience in every aspect of our lives, and that includes our bathroom habits. While many of us make it a norm to carry around a packet of facial wipes or flushable wet wipes, it’s important to understand if these products are actually safe for our septic systems.
Join us as we uncover the truth about flushable wipes and what you can do to ensure that your septic system isn’t put at risk.
What are Flushable Wipes
Unlike traditional paper towels or toilet paper, flushable wipes are designed to be flushed down the toilet. They usually contain a combination of water, detergents, and other ingredients which help to break down the wipe once it hits the water.
Flushable wipes are often marketed as a way of getting all your bathroom needs done in one go. Whether it be cleaning your hands, wiping down the countertop, or freshening up after a toilet break; flushable wipes can do it all.
Some of the most common flushable wipes products include:
- Baby wipes
- Adult wipes
- Feminine hygiene wipes
- Household cleaning wipes
Are Flushable Wipes Bad for Your Plumbing?
While they are marketed in a way that will tell consumers that it is safe to flush them, they can have a negative impact on your plumbing and septic systems.
Flushable wipes are usually made of synthetic materials, such as polyester and rayon. This makes it very difficult for them to break down in water and can cause clogs in your plumbing.
In addition, flushable wipes can also be harmful to septic systems as they don’t break down quickly enough. It is unlike toilet paper, which breaks down easily and can be quickly processed through the septic tank.
What Happens to Your Plumbing When You Flush Wipes
When you flush a wipe down the toilet, it can cause a lot of problems. It could get stuck in your pipes or in the bends of your septic tank, resulting in blockages. Blockages will then cause a backup of wastewater and can even lead to toilet overflows.
If not taken care of quickly, the blockages can also result in costly plumbing repairs. And plumbing repairs can cost an arm and a leg if not taken care of quickly. For septic tank problems, expect to pay a repair cost of up to $3,000.
Bursting pipes can also occur when a flushable wipe gets stuck in the wrong place. And that can mean having to replace all of your pipes, which can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Clogs?
If you have been using flushable wipes, it is best to switch to toilet paper or a similar product. There are plenty of options out there that will make your bathroom experience more comfortable and still be safe to flush.
If you absolutely must use wipes, then it is best to discard the wipes in a trash can instead of flushing them down the toilet. This will help to reduce the risk of clogs and overflows in your plumbing.
It is also important to be aware of any septic system maintenance that needs to be done. Having your tanks pumped regularly will help to ensure that the septic system is working properly and that there are no blockages or clogs that could be caused by flushable wipes.
Partner with a reliable septic system service provider or an expert to get regular plumbing maintenance done.
Doing this will help to make sure that your septic system is running as it should and reduce the risk of any unexpected problems. In addition, while the upfront cost of inspection and maintenance may seem higher, it will save you money in the long run if any issues are caught and fixed early.
Key Takeaways
The problem with using flushable wipes is that they can cause damage to your plumbing and septic systems due to their inability to break down quickly. This can lead to blockages, backups, and costly repairs.
The best way to reduce the risk of any plumbing problems is to opt for toilet paper instead and get routine maintenance done on your septic system. This will help to ensure that your plumbing is working properly and reduce the risk of any unexpected problems occurring.
If you are in Mesa, AZ, or any other nearby areas and in need of any residential plumbing services, feel free to contact us at P&L Plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers will be more than happy to assist you with your plumbing needs.
