Why You Shouldn't Use Any Types of Wipes in Your Toilets (Even Flushable Wipes)!

In my 8+ years as a REALTOR®, I have talked with several plumbers and one recently gave me the advice to not flush any wipes, even flushable because they can damage your plumbing system and give you a hefty service bill.  I thought this was a very important informaton that I should dive deeper into and share.  See my thoughts below!

 

1. Potential for Clogs and Blockages:

   - Non-Disintegration: Unlike toilet paper, most wipes (even those labeled as flushable) do not break down easily in water. This can lead to clogs in your plumbing system.

   - Buildup in Pipes: Over time, wipes can accumulate in your pipes, leading to significant blockages that may require professional plumbing services to resolve.

2. Damage to Sewer Systems:

   - Public Sewer Damage: When wipes make it past your home’s plumbing, they can cause blockages in public sewer systems. This can result in sewage backups and overflows, posing health risks and leading to costly repairs for municipalities.

   - Increased Maintenance Costs: Municipalities often have to spend considerable amounts of money on removing wipes from sewer systems, which can ultimately be passed down to homeowners in the form of higher utility fees.

3. Environmental Impact:

   - Water Pollution: Wipes that don’t break down can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans, contributing to water pollution and harming aquatic life.

   - Landfill Waste: Many wipes are not biodegradable or compostable. When they end up in landfills, they contribute to long-term environmental waste.

4. Septic System Issues:

   - Septic Tank Clogs: If you have a septic system, wipes can cause severe clogs in the tank and drain field, leading to backups and system failures.

   - Costly Repairs and Maintenance: Septic system repairs can be very expensive. Preventing clogs by avoiding the flushing of wipes can save you significant amounts of money and hassle.

5. Misleading Labels:

   - Flushable Claims: Many wipes labeled as flushable are not truly flushable. They may pass through your toilet but can still cause issues in your home’s plumbing or the public sewer system.

   - Testing Standards: There are no universally accepted standards for what makes a wipe flushable. Manufacturers may test under ideal conditions that do not reflect real-world plumbing scenarios.

6. Better Alternatives:

   - Use Toilet Paper: Stick to toilet paper, which is designed to dissolve quickly in water and is safe for plumbing systems.

   - Dispose of Wipes Properly: If you need to use wipes, dispose of them in the trash. Keep a small wastebasket in the bathroom for this purpose.

Understanding the potential risks and environmental impact associated with flushing any type of wipe, you can make more informed decisions and protect your plumbing, your local sewer systems, and the environment.

If you need recommendations, for a plumber in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia let me know!