Wet wipes are more commonplace in households than ever before. While they are effective cleaners, they’re no friend to the plumbing. If you dispose of them by flushing them down the toilet, expect to call a plumber for septic or sewer cleaning and repairs much more frequently. Even “flushable” can result in any of the following problems.

Why You Shouldn’t Flush Wet Wipes

1. Clogs

Although wet wipes are made to dissolve, this can take weeks or months to happen. Also, as they make their way through the plumbing, they pick up dirt, grease, and fat until they become lodged in the line. The additional accumulation of wipes leads to massive clogs that sewer cleaning professionals have dubbed “fatbergs.” These clogs can become several feet long and weigh thousands of pounds.  

2. Septic Tanks Fill Quicker

When wet wipes are flushed in a home that relies on a septic system, they increase the amount of solids in the tank. They also make it hard for other solids to break down naturally, which would require having the tank cleaned more often. If cleanings are few and far between, sewage is likely to spill over into the drain field and your lawn.

3. Pipe Damage

The larger a wet wipe clog becomes, the more damage it can do to your pipes. Older pipes, especially, can begin to crack and erode. If the deterioration causes holes, tree roots could start to grow inside the lines, exacerbating the problem. This would most likely result in costly replacements.

If you were unaware of the dangers of flushing wet wipes, have the professionals at Downs Drain & Septic Service visit to clean your lines. Since 1965, this family-owned company has provided drain cleaning and septic system services to Summit and Medina counties, OH. Their certified team uses video pipe inspections to identify the source of the problem and recommend the best solution. They also offer septic maintenance contracts to help keep the system in top shape. Call (330) 929-5555 to schedule a sewer cleaning or septic pumping, and visit their website to learn more about their services.