Of all the things that you should never flush down your toilet, you would never expect products that are labeled and marketed as being flushable to be at the very top of the list. Surprisingly, however, this is exactly the case when it comes to flushable wipes.
These wet, personal towelettes can be incredibly handy when it comes to staying and feeling fresh. But, once you introduce them, they can also wreak havoc on your entire plumbing system. Sure, they’ll go down the commode easily enough. But they may not make it out of your pipes for quite some time.
Clogged Drain Breinigsville PA: Why Flushable Wipes Aren’t Ideal For Your Toilet
Personal wipes of any type tend to be cloth-like. The companies that manufacture them know that people will be using them to actually wash themselves clean, much like they would if using a washcloth. If wipes degraded easily whenever moisture was applied (as is the case with toilet paper), they would never supply a satisfactory experience or results. More importantly, many of these products would simply turn to mush as they rested in their tightly sealed, moisture-filled containers.
Because these products are made to be durable, and resistant to breaking down when exposed to moisture, they don’t fall apart when introduced into plumbing systems like other paper products do. When you flush toilet paper, the movement of the water and the process of being carried through pipes causes this material to rapidly degrade. Conversely, a flushed wipe can remain fully in tact for quite a long time. As such, if gets lodged behind debris in the plumbing system or caught up on any interior snags, it will eventually cause serious and potentially widespread problems.
What To Do If You’re Committed To Using Flushable Wipes
Although flushable wipes really aren’t as flushable as they’re marketed as being, this doesn’t mean that you still can’t use them. You simply need to establish a safe and hygienic way to dispose of these items when you have finished using them, outside of the toilet. Many public restrooms used small, lined receptacles for the collection and storage of damp, non-flushable items such as sanitary napkins. You can encourage members of your household to dispose of wipes in a lined waste bin, or much like commercial property managers, you can set up separate, wall-mounted receptacles specifically for products like these.
Flushable Wipes And Outdated Clay Pipes Leading To The Sewer Main
If you have an older or historic home that still has its original plumbing, you likely have clay pipes leading to the sewer line at the property exterior. These structures are frequently encroached upon by rampant, underground tree roots and weeds. When this happens, these invasive growths can create organic blockages that eventually cause raw sewage to start backing up into the home. Flushable wipes compound this problem and expedite the development of whole-house back-ups by getting snagged on these obstructions. When caught on tree roots or underground weeds, even just one or two flushable wipes can prevent solid waste from passing through. Moreover, unlike standard toilet paper, these personal cleansing products are unlikely to degrade over time even though each flush of your commode is sending water right past and through them. Once an obstruction involving flushable wipes has developed, it will likely need to be physically removed by a plumbing professional.
Other Strategies For Preventing Plumbing Problems That Start At The Toilet
When it comes to keeping your toilet and your entire plumbing system free and clear of clogs, it’s important to get everyone in the home on board. Make a list of things that everyone should place in waste bins and then schedule a family meeting to discuss this list. Cotton swabs, dental floss, floss swords, panty liners, and sanitary napkins are a few of the most common culprits when it comes to toilet clogs and plumbing blockages. It’s also a good idea to explain to toddlers and other small children about what can happen when the wrong things get flushed. Little kids tend to be inherently curious about the toilet and its flushing mechanism. Making them aware of the potential for blockages early on will ensure that they do not send any toys, toothbrushes or other colorful items down your commodes for fun.
Conclusion
For reliable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing, one of the Lehigh Valley’s most trusted plumbing companies.
Our plumbing services range from water leak detection and repairs, clogged drains, to the installation of water-efficient plumbing fixtures. For any plumbing repairs, we always offer a wide range of solutions whenever possible. This way, you can choose the option that works best for your budget and family.
We are proud to offer the best and most affordable plumbing services in the area. All of our plumbers have the proper licenses and experience to ensure your satisfaction. We guarantee all of our work. Call Robinson Plumbing today to schedule a free estimate.
Some of the areas we service include Alburtis, Breinigsville, Fogelsville, Trexlertown and these zip codes 18011, 18031, 18051, 18087 as well as all surrounding areas in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or click here to contact us for any questions that you might have!