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Flushable wipes have become increasingly popular for their comfort, convenience and promise of better hygiene. And there's nothing wrong with this. We here at Plumberoo are fans of the wet wipes, except for when they're flushed down the toilet. Despite the name flushable wipes, these should never be flushed into your plumbing system.
Despite marketing claims, these wipes don’t break down as easily as toilet paper, which can lead to serious plumbing issues. We see it time and time again. From blocked pipes to costly repairs, flushing these wipes can cause major damage to your home’s plumbing system.
Flushable wipes, also known as flushable wet wipes or baby wipes, are an alternative to toilet paper. However, unlike dry toilet paper, flushable wipes are moist, providing a cleaner, more hygienic result. Additionally, they are made from thicker, non-woven materials, which means that they are more durable but less biodegradable. And this is where the problem lies, as they are often marketed as flushable.
We know flushing wipes is an easy and convenient choice of disposal, yet we implore you to throw them in a waste bin instead. This is because, unlike toilet paper, they don’t break down easily, which can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and lead to clogs in your pipes, slow drainage, and even sewer backups.
Over time, there comes an inevitable point when these blockages need to be addressed, and often, there is damage to your pipes. Plumbers nationwide wish there were better flushable standards for this product because even wipes labelled “flushable” can contribute to plumbing issues. And not just inside your home—they accumulate and cause havoc in sewer lines and wastewater treatment plants.
If your plumbing system is struggling, and you use flushable wipes, there's a good chance they are the culprit.
Here's what to watch for these common signs of a blockage:
Ignoring these red flags can lead to severe plumbing issues, which will hurt your hip pocket.
Continuing from the previous point, repairing plumbing damage caused by flushable wipes can be expensive. How much depends on the severity of the issue. We've seen minor blockages to complete disasters.
Minor blockages may be resolved with a plunger or auger, costing a few hundred dollars. More stubborn clogs will require professional drain cleaning or hydro jetting, setting you back significantly more.
In severe cases, where wipes have caused extensive damage to sewer pipes, repairs such as pipe replacement can cost thousands of dollars and take several days to complete. However, it's possible that pipe relining could be a quicker and cost-effective solution, depending on the condition of the pipe.
Your cheapest option is prevention and not flushing or using wet wipes at all.
Flushable wipes are not environmentally friendly. They can have a significant negative environmental impact, contributing to pollution and harming aquatic life when they enter waterways.
Toilet paper quickly disintegrates, making it biodegradable. Conversely, flushable wipes break down over years, often accumulating in sewer systems, creating fatbergs—large masses of congealed waste that block sewer lines.
While many countries have widely adopted bidets, bum guns and Japanese-style smart toilets as eco-friendly alternatives, Australia, unfortunately, has yet to follow suit. Until these technologies become more common, sticking to regular toilet paper is the safest and most environmentally responsible choice for your home and local sewer systems, as flushable wipes damage these.
Place a small waste bin with a lid within arm’s reach of the toilet for easy disposal of wipes. Adding a polite note on the wall can remind guests to use the bin instead of flushing. If you prefer an alternative, consider installing a bidet toilet or flush toilet paper specifically designed to break down quickly in water.
It's also important to educate yourself, family members and friends about the dangers of flushing wipes.
If you suspect you have blockages because of wet wipes down the toilet, you need to act quickly to address the problem before it gets worse. You can try DIY plumbing and clearing the blockage yourself using a plunger or an auger (if you have one).
If this fails, call a professional plumber. Licensed plumbers like the team here Plumberoo have the expertise and tools needed to identify and clear blocked drains quickly and effectively.
Do flushable wipes cause plumbing problems?
Yes, flushable wipes can cause plumbing problems by blocking pipes.
Do plumbers recommend flushing flushable wipes?
No! Plumbers do not recommend flushing flushable wipes, as they do not break down easily in pipes and can have a significant negative impact on plumbing systems.
How long does it take for flushable wipes to clog pipes?
Flushable wipes can start to clog pipes almost immediately or within a few hours after flushing, depending on pipe conditions.
How much damage do flushable wipes do?
Flushable wipes can cause significant damage by blocking pipes, leading to backups, overflows, and expensive repairs. They can also have a significant environmental impact with fatbergs in sewer systems.
