Clogged pipes occur in many households, especially in bathrooms. However, not many people question why or how their pipes are becoming clogged and continue doing or using the exact things that clogged their pipes in the first place. In most cases, people are misled – especially when it comes to “flushable” wet wipes.
As consumers, we generally trust what is written on packaging – because, why shouldn’t we? When it comes to wet wipes, most packages say they are flushable. These wet wipes are generally made from fibrous materials in order to maintain their strength while soaking in disinfectant liquid, but they are deemed flushable because they are not made out of man-made materials, such as polyethylene. “Flushable” wipes are also made with shorter fibers than non-flushable wipes, allowing for a faster breakdown.
Although fibrous-based wet wipes are considered flushable because they break down faster than non-flushable wipes, they still take longer than toilet paper to disintegrate in the pipes. During this prolonged breakdown period, wet wipes can pile on sewer fats, creating blockage in pipes that wouldn’t normally happen with toilet paper. Just because the wipes go down your drain with no problem for months on end doesn’t mean they aren’t piling up in the 45-degree crook of your pipe and the beginning of the sewer system. Not only can this clog your toilet, but it can clog your home’s entire drainage system if stuck far enough down the pipe. It is possible for sinks and tubs throughout the home to become clogged due to flushing wipes down one toilet over and over again.
Despite wet wipes making things easier to clean in the moment, clogged pipes in the future can be much more difficult and more costly to reconcile. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. Toilet paper is the only thing meant to be flushed down the drain, even if products, like wet wipes, say flushable.
If you have a clog you need fixed, contact the professionals at Mr. Plumber today!
