Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe to Flush?

Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’ve been called numerous times to clear blocked toilets, and we’ve discovered that flushable wipes are one of the main culprits behind these issues. Having been in the plumbing industry for over 50 years, we know what to flush down the toilet and what to avoid. In this article, you’ll learn the truth about ‘flushable’ wipes and why they don’t belong in your drains. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is the go-to plumbing service when you’re in need of professional and affordable drain cleaning.

So, are flushable wipes really flushable? The short answer is no. These wipes should never be flushed down the toilet, no matter what the label says. Marketed as safe-for-plumbing flushable wipes, professional plumbers say otherwise. We get it—they might offer a convenient option for bathroom hygiene, but they can cause nasty drain clogs.

How Are Flushable Wipes Different From Regular Toilet Paper?

To help you understand why flushable wipes don’t belong in your drains, let’s compare them to regular toilet paper. Toilet paper is primarily made from wood pulp, while flushable wipes often contain synthetic materials or a blend of wood pulp and synthetic fibers. When toilet paper hits water, it disintegrates into pieces, making it suitable for flushing. Flushable wipes, despite the name, often do not break down as efficiently and can contribute to clogs.

Flushable Wipes Can Contribute to Fatbergs

Apart from causing drain clogs, flushable wipes contribute to fatbergs (a massive clump of solid waste that builds up in sewer systems). A fatberg is formed from a combination of flushed non-biodegradable items, like wet wipes, and fat, oil, and grease that have been poured down drains. Flushable wipes create a sticky foundation for other materials like grease, oil, and hair to attach to. As more and more wipes and other substances accumulate, they form a hard, concrete-like mass known as a fatberg.

How To Dispose Of Flushable Wipes Correctly?

The most effective way to dispose of flushable wipes is to place them in the trash can. Tossing them in the toilet may seem like the easiest option, but it will certainly come back to haunt you in the form of a clogged toilet. Proper disposal prevents clogs, saves you money, and protects the environment.