Are Flushable wipes Really Flushable?

Have you ever found a blocked toilet due to so-called flushable wipes? Take it from the pros, it is not a good situation. Despite their name, flushable wipes are a leading cause of clogs. They disrupt the water level and flow in residential plumbing systems and create many problems for homeowners. The truth is that these wipes do not break down like regular toilet paper and can lead to significant issues in septic tanks, sewer lines, and even wastewater treatment plants. This blog post titled “How to Unclog a Toilet Clogged with Flushable Wipes” will explore why flushable wipes shouldn’t be flushed. Then we will provide practical advice on dealing with a clogged toilet and help you prevent future plumbing disasters in your home.

First: How Toilet Paper Works in Your Residential Toilet

As you would assume, toilet paper is specifically designed and manufactured for use in toilets. It quickly dissolves and breaks down in water, preventing clogs and maintaining the integrity of home and municipal sewage systems. What you may not know is that the primary material in toilet paper is typically either virgin pulp or recycled paper pulp, which is processed to create soft, absorbent, and easily disintegrable sheets.

The makeup and process ensure that when toilet paper is flushed, it breaks down into smaller pieces almost immediately upon contact with water. This rapid disintegration is so important, as it prevents the paper from blocking the sewage pipes or creating obstructions in the system. So, in essence, toilet paper dissolves effectively to minimize the risk of clogs and the need to use tools like a plumbing snake to remove blockages.

Furthermore, because toilet paper dissolves and breaks down so easily, it means it is one of the only things that is safe to flush. 

Even when pieces of toilet paper might catch minor obstructions or imperfections within the plumbing system. These obstructions include things such as a small hole or crack. This makes “flush toilet paper” ideal for maintaining a clear and functional sewage system, avoiding the complications associated with items that do not break down.

Second: The Reality of Flushable Wipes and Plumbing Problems

The term “flushable” might imply that these wipes are safe for your toilet and sewage system, but the reality is quite different. Despite being marketed as flushable, these wipes do not disintegrate like toilet paper. 

As the National Association of Clean Water Agencies explained, “The term ‘flushable’ has led to significant misunderstandings among consumers. These products do not break down sufficiently in the sewer system and are causing damage to home plumbing systems and public sewer infrastructure on a massive scale.” Then they advise, “If you really want to save money, become a more intentional shopper. Besides being far more expensive than traditional toilet paper, these “flushable” wipes are anything but (pun intended). They’re non-biodegradable and wreak havoc on plumbing and sewer systems.”

Flushable wipes are often made from a combination of fibers meant to stay intact when wet, unlike toilet paper, which is designed to dissolve quickly in water. This durability means that while flushable wet wipes might navigate the initial flush and small pipes of your home’s plumbing system, they become problematic in the larger sewer system. That is right, they do not break down as rapidly or entirely as biodegradable wipes or regular toilet paper. This can lead to buildup, major clogs, and even huge clogs that can disrupt the wastewater treatment process.

When these so-called flushable wipes accumulate in the sewer lines, they often combine with other materials like grease and tree roots, creating even larger blockages. The impact of these clogs is far-reaching—causing sewage backups into homes, overflowing manholes, and expensive damages that require extensive repair work by professional plumbers. 

The Complete goal: By understanding the material properties and behaviors of flushable wipes, homeowners can make more informed decisions about what to flush, potentially saving themselves significant inconvenience and cost due to frequent clogs and major plumbing problems.

Step-by-Step Guide to Unclogging Your Toilet

When faced with a toilet clog caused by flushable wipes, immediate action is necessary to prevent bigger problems like overflowing or severe blockages. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you begin to tackle this common but frustrating issue:

Step 1: Stop Flushing Immediately

So many homeowners make this mistake. The moment you notice the problem, please stop flushing the toilet again. Additional flushing can lead to overflowing and exacerbate the blockage. This action will turn a simple fix into a messier, more complex plumbing emergency.

Step 2: Use the Right Tools

To remove the clog, try getting a toilet snake or a plunger specifically designed for toilets. These tools are more effective than generic plungers for reaching deeper into the toilet’s plumbing and dislodging the wipes causing the blockage. First, insert the toilet snake into the bowl, gently pushing until you feel resistance. Then, twist and pull to break apart the clog.

Step 3: Apply Hot Water

Once you’ve disrupted the clog, using hot water can help dissolve the matter and clear the passageway. Here is what you do. 

Carefully pour a bucket of hot water from waist height into the toilet bowl. The force of the water combined with its warmth can help break down the clog further without damaging the porcelain with excessive heat. This process will break down the flushable wipes and other inappropriate items like baby wipes and paper towels.

Step 4: Know When to Call a Professional

If these steps don’t clear the clog, or if you frequently face similar issues, it’s time to call a professional plumber. Our Complete Plumbers have specialized tools, like more advanced plumbing snakes and cameras, to inspect pipes, which can diagnose and resolve deeper or more severe blockages. Their expertise ensures that your entire plumbing system is cleared safely without risking further damage or a repeat issue.

Following this guide can help you effectively manage a toilet clog, but remember, the best solution is prevention. Educating all household members on what should and should not be flushed—emphasizing that even so-called flushable wipes can lead to severe plumbing issues—is essential for maintaining a healthy system.

Preventing Future Clogs and Protecting Your Home’s Plumbing System

Education and prevention are key to avoiding the inconvenience and cost of frequent clogs. Then, understanding and communicating what can safely be flushed is how you can successfully maintain an operable and healthy plumbing system.

Education on Safe Flushing (that’s right!)

Clearly, the first step in prevention is to ensure everyone in your household knows what should and should not go down the toilet. 

Human waste and toilet paper are the only items that are truly safe to flush. 

Everything else, including flushable wipes, baby wipes, and paper towels, does not dissolve well and causes those pesky blockages. These items are particularly bad for homes with septic systems, as they can cause backups and other significant septic system problems. And if you know, you know. Septic issues are expensive and unpleasant to resolve.

Recognizing Signs of Plumbing Problems

It’s also important to recognize early signs that indicate potential plumbing issues. Slow draining, gurgling sounds, or toilets requiring multiple flushes to clear can all indicate a blockage forming. Regular maintenance, such as annual inspections by a professional plumber, can help identify and fix small issues before they become bigger problems.

Regular Maintenance Tips

?Regular maintenance is essential for extending the life and efficiency of your home’s plumbing system. Here are a few tips:

• Schedule Regular Inspections: Contact a professional plumber annually to inspect your plumbing system. They can check for buildup and potential issues in your sewer pipes and help ensure everything flows smoothly.
• Use Enzyme Cleaners: For septic systems, use enzymatic drain cleaners monthly. These cleaners help break down organic material without damaging the pipes or the septic tank’s environment.
• Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: We know they are popular, but these products can corrode pipes and harm the bacteria essential for septic tank function. They often provide a temporary solution but can create a bigger problem in the long run.

Good News: Effective ways to maintain your system and prevent future issues exist! Regular inspections by a professional plumber can spot small holes or beginnings of clogs before they become bigger problems.

By following these preventative measures and educating all household members on proper bathroom habits, you can reduce plumbing emergencies and ensure your home’s plumbing system remains in good working order. This not only protects your investment but also contributes to a smoother, more efficient household operation.

How to Unclog a Toilet Clogged with Flushable Wipes with Complete Plumbing and Drain

Let’s be honest here. The hazards associated with so-called flushable wipes and the problems they can cause throughout your home’s plumbing system cannot be overstated. Despite their convenient labeling, these wipes are a leading cause of clogs and backups in municipal sewer and residential septic systems. By understanding the true nature of these products and the severe damages they can lead to—such as sewer backups and major problems with solid waste management—homeowners can take proactive steps to avoid future problems.

It is crucial to ensure enough water flows through your pipes when flushing. This can help prevent the accumulation of personal wipes and other non-biodegradable items that can lead to significant plumbing issues. 

A good idea here is to remember that the safest and most responsible approach is to only flush human waste and toilet paper. Implementing this simple rule can significantly reduce the occurrence of massive clogs and eliminate the need for costly emergency plumber services.

For additional information on maintaining your plumbing system and preventing future problems, consider consulting a professional plumber who can offer personalized advice and regular maintenance services. Educating yourself and your family on these practices is the best defense against plumbing emergencies.

Ready to ensure your plumbing system is robust and reliable? Don’t wait for a disaster to strike. Contact Complete Plumbing and Drain today to schedule a comprehensive inspection. While you are at it, feel free to learn more about effective maintenance practices on our site. Our team of experienced professionals is here to help you keep your plumbing hassle-free. Protect your home, save on emergency costs, and gain peace of mind by taking action now—your plumbing will thank you