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Rooterman

Along with the regular use of toilet paper, many people have also been purchasing flushable wipes. Despite the thickness of these wipes, they are advertised as being safe for your septic tank and “flush friendly”. So are these flushable wipes really safe or are you putting your home plumbing system at risk?

 

Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?  

Although these wipes can technically be flushed down the toilet, they are highly likely to get stuck in the drainpipe, causing a buildup overtime. The reason flushable wipes can buildup and cause a clog over time is because they do not disintegrate and fall apart like regular toilet paper. In fact, a wet wipe holds up better than a paper towel when wet. A backup in the sewage system can also cause flooding in your home. Even the wipes that make it through your plumbing and through the sewage system are actually causing massive clogs in the sewage plants they end up in. 

 

As far as research is concerned, a Canadian study tested 23 different brands of flushable wipes by recreating a home septic system. The wipes were flushed as normal and then examined. Not a single brand of wipes disintegrated enough to completely clear through the septic system. This study confirmed the dangers of flushable wipes and clogs. Worldwide, utility workers have to remove tons of waste from the sewage system each year. A large part of the waste removed is flushable wipes. 

 

Should you use flushable wipes?

Although using one flushable wipe once in a while may not be the worst thing for your plumbing, we recommend passing on this purchase in the future. Toilet paper is really the only thing that should go down a toilet after you have used it. Although flushable wipes may seem convenient, the damage they can do in the long run is not worth it. If you choose to continue using these wipes, the best way to dispose of them is in the trash, not the toilet. 

 

If you have been using flushable wipes in your home for an extended period of time, it is a good idea to have one of our experienced plumbers check the pipes in your home. We can determine whether or not you have a buildup. Using our specialized cameras, we can easily look deep into your plumbing. This simple service can save you from dealing with the aftermath of a clogged pipe or a flooded home. Call Rooter Man today for more details about our plumbing services or to schedule an appointment.  

 

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