Flushable wipes seem an ideal solution when you have kids or prefer to use a wet wipe instead of a dry one. While wet wipes have always had to go in a trash can to avoid clogs and a callout to a sewer line repair specialist, newer brands featuring the word “flushable” promise a convenient, disposable alternative. However, while they’re great for a busy parent, they’re no good for your sewer system. Here’s why you shouldn’t put flushable wipes down a toilet.

Are Flushable Wipes Really Safe for Plumbing?

What Flushable Actually Means in a Wipe

There’s always been some ambiguity over what “flushable” means when it comes to these products. Manufacturers have contributed to this uncertainty with the language they use when describing them, which has led many consumers to interpret them as being environmentally friendly—or at least better for the environment than regular wipes.

Unfortunately, that’s not the case. For a wipe to be marketed as flushable, it merely means it breaks up into pieces small enough to go down a drain. It doesn’t mean it’s biodegradable.

What Happens After You Flush Them

Anything that gets flushed down a toilet ends up traveling through pipes into the sewer system. While flushable wipes will break down into smaller pieces, allowing them to go through pipes better than a traditional wet wipe would, they’re still bulky and are just as likely to cause clogs or stick to existing buildup. 

Much of the problem is because they won’t disintegrate. Although they end up smaller than they were, they’re still a solid mass. Rather than decomposing, they remain in your septic tank system or sewer line and turn into a sludge-like substance that builds up over time.

If ignored, this could lead to a sewer line repair large enough to affect the local neighborhood. If your drain backs up, call a professional plumber to investigate. By catching clogs early, you can prevent them from causing long-term damage.

What Materials Can You Flush?

The only material a toilet should take is human waste and paper tissue. Paper tissue dissolves, leaving nothing behind. Anything else—paper towels, wipes of any kind, or sanitary products—could cause blockages.

When you have a sewer or drain blockage, call Keefe Plumbing Company in Chattanooga, TN. Since 1950, this team of professionals has provided plumbing services to residents of the greater Chattanooga region, including North Georgia. Their services range from plumbing installation and leak detection to sewer line repair and water heater servicing. Customer satisfaction is their priority, and they have a large team of certified technicians ready to deliver 24-hour emergency service. Call today for a free quote at (423) 622-3178 or visit their website to find out more.