Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

Are flushable wipes really flushable?Flushable wipes have been around for years, but do you know what they can do to your plumbing? It’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of disposable wipes, but they may not be worth the trouble they can cause. Let’s get the real answer to the big question – can you actually flush flushable wipes?

What Are Flushable Wipes Made Of?

Wipes touted as being flushable consist of paper pulp held together with binders and polymers, including polyester. The companies that make them say they’re biodegradable and start to break down immediately, but that’s generally not the reality.

What Really Happens

When you flush toilet paper, it begins to disintegrate almost immediately and has completely broken down by the time it reaches the septic tank or sewer system. Wipes, on the other hand, can still be almost completely intact if they get that far. They can get stuck in your sewer or septic system, causing backups and even flooding. And if they get as far as the city sewer system, they can cause damage and blockages that affect the entire system.

The Bigger Picture

Flushable wipes are, technically, flushable in that you can flush them down the toilet. However, the damage they can cause to your own plumbing and sewer lines, to the city system in general, and to the environment is mind-boggling. Instead of risking the integrity of your pipes, just say no to flushing wipes.

If you have used and flushed wipes in the past and have found that you might have a blockage or backup, don’t wait to call in the pros. Contact the team at Hill Plumbing and Air today to schedule a service call. One of our expert team members can come assess the situation and give you a solution to the problem to get you back up and running quickly.

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For more than 95 years, Hill Plumbing and Air has built a rock solid reputation by providing the highest quality plumbing services in Sumter, Florence and surrounding areas. We're now pleased to offer Heating and Air services to better serve our customers.

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