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are flushable wipes really flushable
are flushable wipes really flushable

PLUMBING

ARE FLUSHABLE WIPES REALLY FLUSHABLE?

08/01/2023

PLUMBING

ARE FLUSHABLE WIPES REALLY FLUSHABLE?

08/01/2023

Among the many mysteries of the universe, one that often seems to confuse consumers is the myth of the “flushable”wipes. Yes, you read that right. It’s a myth. We’re here to set the record straight and help our readers with the common question: Are flushable wipes really flushable? Keep reading to find out the detrimental side of these oh-so-handy wipes.

What Are Flushable Wipes?

are flushable wipes really flushable

First off, flushable wipes are a great invention to help people wipe after using the toilet. They are marketed as a superior alternative option to traditional toilet paper. They’re moist, soft, and offer freshness that most toilet paper just can’t measure up to. But are they really flushable? Marketing tactics have you believing that they are but in fact, they aren’t safe to flush down the drain. You’ll be left with very clogged drains that will most likely require professional drain cleaning services.

How They Negatively Impact Your Drains

Next, let’s get into the impact of flushable wipes on your plumbing system. In a typical home, wastewater travels from your toilet through your home’s pipes and out into the sewer or a septic tank. With traditional toilet paper, when it is put into water, it quickly breaks apart and disintegrates. This helps prevent clogs in your pipes.

are flushable wipes really flushable
If you’d like to do a home experiment:

Prepare 2 buckets of water.

Take this time to observe the speed of disintegration. You may notice that flushable wipes don’t break down completely or as quickly as toilet paper. Leave your “flushable” wipes in the bucket to see how long it takes for it to completely disintegrate. It’s been said that they can take weeks to breakdown so you’re welcome to complete your home experiment whenever you’d like to wrap it up.

Environmental Impact and Other Implications

“Flushable” wipes linger in your pipes much longer and as they accumulate, problems snowball. Unfortunately, the silent culprit will continue to clog your drains, and, in turn, you may be left with a hefty bill to repair pipes and extensive drain cleaning services. Worst case scenario will be jaw-dropping water damage all because of “flushable” wipes causing a full-blown blockage.

Now let’s talk about environmental impact. Not only do they wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing and municipal sewage systems but they also contribute to something called “fatbergs”. For those of you who have never heard of this phrase before, “fatbergs” are monstrous blockages made up of congealed fat, wipes, and other waste.

 

 

The most common problems that arise include:

 

  • Sewage overflows which impact the environment
  • Polluting bodies of water (rivers, oceans, creeks)

The grim reality of “flushable” wipes is that someone must clean it up – You, the homeowner, needs to pay for drain cleaning services and possibly pipe repairs or replacement. And environmental cleanup costs may trickle down to taxpayers.

Safer Alternatives 

Bidet
Spray Hose
Washlet

Thankfully, there are safer alternatives to “flushable” wipes that won’t burst your pipes or your wallet. For those who want to freshen up in addition to toilet paper, we recommend bidets and washlets. They’ve become increasingly popular to clean with or without toilet paper. Bidets can be installed in your existing toilet, and, in part, help reduce waste.

 

If you’re not quite ready to switch to a bidet or washlet and prefer wipes over toilet paper, here are some things you can do to properly dispose of it:

 

  • Always have plastic bags or compostable bags to put in used wipes rather than down the drain.
  • Dispose of your bag of wipes into the garbage NOT the compost bin.
  • Remember the 3 P’s: Pee, Poo, and toilet Paper. These are the only things that should go down your toilet.

Here’s a comprehensive resource on the Do’s and Don’ts of disposing in Port Coquitlam.

From snake augers to industrial-grade pipe cutters, we have all the equipment you need to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Call 604-245-8970 to learn more about High Mark's Drain Cleaing Services.

From snake augers to industrial-grade pipe cutters, we have all the equipment you need to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Call 604-245-8970 to learn more about High Mark's Drain Cleaing Services.

Contact High Mark Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling for Your Drain Service

Have you grown tired of your “flushable” wipes clogging your drains and thinking about installing a bidet or washlet? Our friendly customer service representatives can assist you with your booking in the Greater Vancouver area including Delta, Burnaby, and surrounding areas such as Kamloops.

are flushable wipes really flushable

Among the many mysteries of the universe, one that often seems to confuse consumers is the myth of the “flushable”wipes. Yes, you read that right. It’s a myth. We’re here to set the record straight and help our readers with the common question: Are flushable wipes really flushable? Keep reading to find out the detrimental side of these oh-so-handy wipes.

What Are Flushable Wipes?

are flushable wipes really flushable

First off, flushable wipes are a great invention to help people wipe after using the toilet. They are marketed as a superior alternative option to traditional toilet paper. They’re moist, soft, and offer freshness that most toilet paper just can’t measure up to. But are they really flushable? Marketing tactics have you believing that they are but in fact, they aren’t safe to flush down the drain. You’ll be left with very clogged drains that will most likely require professional drain cleaning services.

How They Negatively Impact Your Drains

are flushable wipes really flushable

Next, let’s get into the impact of flushable wipes on your plumbing system. In a typical home, wastewater travels from your toilet through your home’s pipes and out into the sewer or a septic tank. With traditional toilet paper, when it is put into water, it quickly breaks apart and disintegrates. This helps prevent clogs in your pipes.

If you’d like to do a home experiment:

Prepare 2 buckets of water.

Take this time to observe the speed of disintegration. You may notice that flushable wipes don’t break down completely or as quickly as toilet paper. Leave your “flushable” wipes in the bucket to see how long it takes for it to completely disintegrate. It’s been said that they can take weeks to breakdown so you’re welcome to complete your home experiment whenever you’d like to wrap it up.

Environmental Impact and Other Implications

“Flushable” wipes linger in your pipes much longer and as they accumulate, problems snowball. Unfortunately, the silent culprit will continue to clog your drains, and, in turn, you may be left with a hefty bill to repair pipes and extensive drain cleaning services. Worst case scenario will be jaw-dropping water damage all because of “flushable” wipes causing a full-blown blockage.

Now let’s talk about environmental impact. Not only do they wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing and municipal sewage systems but they also contribute to something called “fatbergs”. For those of you who have never heard of this phrase before, “fatbergs” are monstrous blockages made up of congealed fat, wipes, and other waste.

 

 

The most common problems that arise include:

 

  • Sewage overflows which impact the environment
  • Polluting bodies of water (rivers, oceans, creeks)

 

The grim reality of “flushable” wipes is that someone must clean it up – You, the homeowner, needs to pay for drain cleaning services and possibly pipe repairs or replacement. And environmental cleanup costs may trickle down to taxpayers.

Safer Alternatives 

Thankfully, there are safer alternatives to “flushable” wipes that won’t burst your pipes or your wallet. For those who want to freshen up in addition to toilet paper, we recommend bidets and washlets. They’ve become increasingly popular to clean with or without toilet paper. Bidets can be installed in your existing toilet, and, in part, help reduce waste.

 

If you’re not quite ready to switch to a bidet or washlet and prefer wipes over toilet paper, here are some things you can do to properly dispose of it:

 

  • Always have plastic bags or compostable bags to put in used wipes rather than down the drain.
  • Dispose of your bag of wipes into the garbage NOT the compost bin.
  • Remember the 3 P’s: Pee, Poo, and toilet Paper. These are the only things that should go down your toilet.

Here’s a comprehensive resource on the Do’s and Don’ts of disposing in Port Coquitlam.

From snake augers to industrial-grade pipe cutters, we have all the equipment you need to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Call 604-245-8970 to learn more about High Mark's Drain Cleaing Services.

From snake augers to industrial-grade pipe cutters, we have all the equipment you need to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Call 604-245-8970 to learn more about High Mark's Drain Cleaing Services.

Contact High Mark Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling for Your Drain Service

Have you grown tired of your “flushable” wipes clogging your drains and thinking about installing a bidet or washlet? Our friendly customer service representatives can assist you with your booking in the Greater Vancouver area including Delta, Burnaby, and surrounding areas such as Kamloops.

are flushable wipes really flushable

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The information contained in https://highmarkplumbing.com  is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by https://highmarkplumbing.com  and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to https://highmarkplumbing.com   or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on https://highmarkplumbing.com   for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of https://highmarkplumbing.com.

DISCLAIMER

The information contained in https://highmarkplumbing.com  is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by https://highmarkplumbing.com  and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to https://highmarkplumbing.com   or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on https://highmarkplumbing.com   for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of https://highmarkplumbing.com.