Dissolvability is one of the main concerns that plumbers have when it comes to flushable wipes. Unlike regular toilet paper, flushable wipes are made with materials that are designed to be more durable and resistant to tearing. While this may be beneficial for their intended use of cleaning, it becomes problematic when they are flushed down the toilet.
Regular toilet paper is specifically designed to break down and dissolve quickly in water. This allows it to easily navigate through your plumbing system without causing any issues. Flushable wipes, on the other hand, are made with materials that are not as easily broken down. They are often thicker and more durable, which means that they take longer to disintegrate in water.
This lack of dissolvability is a significant concern for plumbers because it can lead to clogs in your home’s plumbing system. When flushable wipes are flushed down the toilet, they can get caught on other debris or buildup in your plumbing pipes. Over time, this can create blockages that prevent wastewater from flowing freely, leading to backups and potential damage to your plumbing system.
Plumbers have seen firsthand the damage that flushable wipes can cause to plumbing systems. They often have to deal with clogs that are directly caused by flushable wipes. In some cases, these clogs can be easily cleared with professional tools and expertise. However, in more severe cases, the clogs can be stubborn and require more extensive repairs.
To avoid these plumbing issues, plumbers strongly advise against flushing flushable wipes down the toilet. Instead, they recommend disposing of them in the trash. While some flushable wipes may claim to be safe for flushing, it’s important to remember that they still pose a risk to your plumbing system.
In addition to dissolvability concerns, plumbers also caution against flushing flushable wipes because they can contribute to larger environmental issues. Despite their name, flushable wipes do not break down as easily as toilet paper and can contribute to clogs in municipal sewer systems. This can lead to costly repairs and maintenance for wastewater treatment facilities.
Plumbers strongly discourage homeowners from flushing flushable wipes down the toilet due to their lack of dissolvability and the potential for clogs in plumbing systems. It is important to dispose of flushable wipes in the trash instead to avoid plumbing issues and contribute to a healthier environment.