Which Flushable Wipes are Truly Flushable?

Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable? Using wipes seems very convenient for staying clean when regular toilet paper isn’t available, they can actually cause plumbing issues. 

Despite being labeled as flushable and septic-safe, these wipes can create problems in our sewage systems. 

Let’s explore to know if flushable wipes are really flushable, whether they are safe for flushing, and discover some solutions to prevent issues in our plumbing.

Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

Even though many personal hygiene wipes claim to be flushable and plumber-approved, plumbers caution against trusting these labels. 

Alex Woollam, a licensed plumber, and the founder and CEO of Waterline Plumbing Ltd, said the majority of wipes that claim to be flushable actually clog pipes and are not flushable at all.

Most of these so-called “flushable” wipes are made of non-dissolvable plastic that causes it to clog up pipes over time. 

This buildup can lead to plumbing issues like blockages and, in severe cases, damage to your home’s foundation.

The same problem applies to septic systems, where non-biodegradable wipes can cause clogs and system failures. 

Additionally, some wipes may contain harmful chemicals.

Jake Romano, general manager for John The Plumber Toronto, said the reason these wipes aren’t truly flushable is that they are designed to be stronger and more durable than regular toilet paper. 

These wipes do eventually break down in the water, but they do so much more slowly than toilet paper. They also increase the risk of blockages if you use them frequently.

Are Any Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?

Wipes made with polyethylene and cotton microfibers are known to be flushable, but they don’t break down quickly. Polyethylene may degrade over time, but it’s not biodegradable. 

Cotton microfibers are marketed as more biodegradable, but they can still cause plumbing issues. It’s crucial to note that wipes made entirely from polyethylene should never be flushed.

Avoid flushing paper towels, cotton balls, and other non-toilet paper items, as they don’t break down easily and can lead to blockages. 

Instead, throw them away or use a garbage disposal where they can decompose naturally over time. Most wet wipes are meant to be thrown in the trash, not flushed. 

Flushable wet wipes are considered more hygienic than toilet paper because they provide a thorough cleaning that toilet paper can’t match.

Cottonelle Flushable Wipes are the only exception because they are safe and 100% flushable, breaking down immediately after flushing.

During testing, a type of bacteria called Pluralibacter gergoviae was found in certain Cottonelle Flushable Wipes.

In October 2020, Costco, Amazon, and other stores started telling customers who bought these wipes that there might be bacteria in the products.

Nevertheless, they remain the best because Cottonelle toilet Paper is clog-safe and septic-safe.

Why Do Companies Label Wipes as Flushable?

Just because you can try flushing things down the toilet doesn’t mean they’ll smoothly go through our sewage system. 

Companies can label wipes as “flushable” without having to prove it, leading to misleading marketing.

A study in Canada tested 101 wipes, and none of them passed the flushability test. 

There’s a need for rules to prevent companies from using these misleading labels and causing confusion among customers. 

While some places are trying to pass laws to make product labels clearer, the industry is resisting these changes.

Some wipes can still be labeled as “flushable” because they are made with short, natural fibers that break down easily, similar to toilet paper.

California’s labeling rules might soon become a nationwide standard.

How Do Flushable Wipes Affect Plumbing Systems?

If you live in a big apartment building and think it’s okay to flush wipes down the toilet because the system can handle it, think again.

According to Tom Diciolla, who owns Restore Plumbing and Drain Inc. in Elgin, Illinois, in these kinds of buildings, all the pipes are connected.

So, if you flush something like wipes, it can cause a clog that affects everyone in the building.

This usually starts on the lower floors but can get worse.

The same also goes for businesses too. Woollam a licensed plumber mentions a client who used flushable wipes in a commercial kitchen.

This caused a big problem and cost the client a lot of money for repairs.

The kitchen couldn’t operate without water for weeks, and the loss of business was really bad.

So, it’s a big deal not to flush things that can cause clogs in shared plumbing systems.

Expert Ways to Maintain Clear Pipes

During a global pandemic, the last thing we want is clogged sewers causing a mess in our streets.

Utility departments are urging us to avoid flushing wipes and only stick to flushing bodily waste and toilet paper. Wipes can’t be recycled, so toss them in the trash.

To tackle this issue on a larger scale, we can ask our elected officials to hold companies responsible for the costs to our sewage systems caused by these wipes.

Reach out to companies on social media and request them to stop claiming wipes are “flushable.”

To keep pipes clear, avoid flushing wipes, wash your hands for 20 seconds, and take care of your health. If throwing wipes in the trash feels inconvenient, use a closed bin with a plastic liner. 

Another solution is adding a bidet to your bathroom for a fresh feeling after using the toilet.

Contrary to some beliefs, bidets are sanitary. You can easily attach bidet options to your existing toilet without a major bathroom overhaul. 

Companies like TUSHY offer bidet attachments and other eco-friendly toilet products.

It’s an idea worth considering, but for now, refrain from flushing wipes unless you want frequent visits from your plumber.

In the end, it turns out that the term “flushable” on wipes can be a bit misleading. Many of these wipes may cause more trouble than convenience in our plumbing. 

They might not break down as easily as promised and could lead to clogs and other issues. It’s like a little mystery in the bathroom – are they really flushable or not? 

To be on the safe side, it might be best to stick with good old toilet paper and save the wipes for the trash, or better still go for Cottonelle flushable wipes if you prefer to use wipes.