Do Flushable Wipes Clog Pipes?

Flushable wipes have been all the rage for a while now, and everyone seems to love them. While quite like regular disposable wipes, manufacturers claim flushable wipes to be “safe” to flush down the toilet. 



But is it safe to flush these flushable wipes? Do flushable wipes clog pipes? Could they cause sewer pipe or septic damage?  

As a top-rated and reliable plumber in Willoughby, Ohio, our crew at Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. delves deeper into flushable wipes and their potential effects on your pipes and plumbing system.  

What Are Flushable Wipes?  

Flushable wipes encompass various types of wipes, ranging from toilet and baby wipes to antibacterial and makeup wipes. While some manufacturers use the exact term “flushable wipes,” others simply mention that you can flush the wipes down the toilet.  

Unfortunately, poor disposal of all these wipes can cause various plumbing issues, including sewer backups, septic clogs, and even burst pipes.  

Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?  

While you can technically physically flush disposable wipes, they may get stuck in the drainpipe or build up over time and cause drain clogs. The wipes often make it through the curved part of your toilet, but things take a turn for the worse from that point onwards.  

Unfortunately, flushable wipes go down the drain, but they don’t disintegrate. Wipes comprise a type of paper pulp held together with non-degradable materials like polymers and polyester.   

When toilet paper gets in touch with water, it falls apart quickly. That’s because manufacturers make toilet paper dissolve so that it doesn’t clog the drain.  

Flushable wipes hold together when wet, even better than standard paper towels. Because they don’t disintegrate, flushable wipes will clog the sewer line in the absence of sufficient water to push them through.  

Even if flushable wipes make it through your sewer pipes, they can still wreak havoc. They may end up at sewage treatment plants and eventually clog the pumps at the plants.   

Ultimately, the wipes may cause catastrophic damage to a city’s entire sewer system, causing backups, blockages, and water shortages that could affect several households in your area. 

Should You Use Flushable Wipes?  

While you can use flushable wipes whenever you deem them fit, just remember not to flush them down the toilet. Only human waste and toilet paper should go down the toilet. Flushable wipes may seem appealing and convenient, but they may prove problematic once you flush them down the toilet.  

If you must use flushable wipes, dispose of them in the garbage rather than in the toilet.   

What Does the Evidence Show?  

Researchers in Canada conducted a study in which they tested over 20 different types of flushable wipes. They built a working model of a residential septic system and then flushed each of the wipes.   

None of the wipes disintegrated completely enough to pass through the system without the risk of a clog or septic damage.   

Moreover, utility workers from around the world retrieve tons of clogged waste from sewer systems. Flushable wipes make up a big part of this waste. So, while flushable wipes seem trendy, they end up causing millions of dollars in septic and sewer system damage.  

The Effects of Flushable Wipes on Your Plumbing  

Do flushable wipes clog pipes? Absolutely. Wipes manufacturers market their products as septic-friendly but seasoned plumbers have the experience to advise you accordingly.   

If you’ve been using flushable wipes, not realizing their potential damage, you might have to grapple with plumbing issues. Should you experience clogged toilet issues because of flushable wipes, the following quick guide may help unclog the toilet and restore proper flow to your plumbing system:  

Use a plunger to try to loosen the clog and force the wipes down through the sewer pipe.  

If a plunger doesn’t work, try a toilet snake. Most local hardware stores have toilet snakes that you can use to grab the wipes blocking the pipe and fish them out before disposing of them properly.  

Sometimes, only a licensed plumber can help you unclog a stubborn or persistent clog.  

Can Your Septic System Handle Flushable Wipes?  

If you use a septic system instead of a connection to a city sewer system, you might wonder whether you can get away with using flushable wipes. Despite what manufacturers say, your septic system will not fare well with flushable wipes either.  

Besides potentially clogging your pipes, flushable wipes will collect in the part of your septic tank with solids, forcing you to schedule more frequent septic tank pumping.   

You may also have to grapple with sewage backups and potential floods within the home. Flushable wipes may even damage your sewage pump. Ultimately, your plumbing costs may skyrocket, and your septic system may clog.  

Symptoms of a Clogged Toilet or Septic System  

If you’ve continued to flush these flushable wipes down the toilet and suspect you might have a clog, stay alert for the following symptoms and call an emergency plumber right away:  

• Water pooling around your septic system  
• Slow draining   
• More vibrant-looking trees or grass   
• A foul or rotten egg smell outside  

Left unattended, clogs can lead to flooding and expensive repairs down the road. You may also have to deal with costly property damage and environmental issues like mold and mildew infestations.  

Count on Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. for Quality Plumbing Services  

By the time you need a plumber, you probably need one urgently. At Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co., we strive to deliver prompt and accurate plumbing solutions. Our team of fully trained and insured technicians specializes in providing unmatched customer service.  

Count on us to make some of the most challenging plumbing issues as hassle-free as possible. By educating you, we empower you to make informed decisions on the services you truly need.   

Are you experiencing a plumbing emergency? Our team is available 24/7 to act quickly, minimize losses, and restore your comfort. Call Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. at (440) 709-8495 to schedule service in Wickliffe, OH, or the surrounding areas.   

Now that you can answer the question, “Do flushable wipes clog pipes?” feel free to reach out to learn the benefits of plumbing upgrades.