Did you know that flushable wipes could be wreaking havoc on your plumbing? They may seem innocuous, but these little packages of convenience can have a major impact on your sewer system, dabe sure to avoid using them whenever possible!
Have you ever observed the familiar sight of a plunger plunging down into the bowl? You might envision an elegant plumber standing at attention with immaculate attire, polishing his tool as he prepares for another job. In reality though… it’s actually just a disgusting looking plunger!
It may not seem like much, but there’s an entire industry based around selling you these devices which cost up to $20 per package! And if that wasn’t troubling enough already… don’t forget about all of the potential damage it could potentially cause!
How do you feel about flushing wipes?
Despite their unassuming moniker, flushing wipes is not without controversy.
Indeed, the majority of folks appear to be sticking with the traditional method of disposal when it comes to wipes. This suggests that most people do not harbor any reservations about tossing them in the toilet or down the drain.
But here at Fantastic Plumbing, we take a different tack and let’s examine the pros and cons of flushable cleansing wipes. That said, let’s find out how you feel about this topic!
I’m all for flushing wipes! Why wouldn’t I want to utilize anything which can be flushed? Many utilities do not offer much choice if one needs to dispose of their waste; it’s simply more cost-efficient than hauling away hefty loads of trash.
What is your biggest gripe about the flushable wipe movement?
Despite the prevalent usage of flushable wipes in everyday life, their inclusion on such lists as ‘flushable’, ‘septic-safe’ and ‘biodegradable’ can be misleading.
Despite its incredible functionality and numerous benefits, many people remain skeptical about the viability of this product category due to its relative novelty and lack of established standards, which leaves them unsure how they should respond if issues arise. In addition, knowing which wipes are safe for the septic system when disposing of them can be an inconvenience!
On top of all that, there’s often another dilemma: should we simply discard our wipes after using them? Or alternatively, should we use them again before discarding? Deciding between these two options can prove challenging; but most individuals find it preferable to reuse them than resorting to reusing toilet paper.
Are wipes causing plumbing problems?
According to a report by the National Sanitation Foundation, which is an industry group that works to educate individuals about safety and sanitation in their homes, there are no documented issues associated with flushable wipes causing plumbing problems. On the contrary, it has been suggested that these materials could potentially be utilized for constructing better pipes.
Since the introduction of a brand new model of piping called PEX in 2001, its popularity has skyrocketed. With two-thirds of all U.S. households now owning this type of system from home builders, it’s no wonder why PEX pipe is becoming increasingly prevalent among those looking to construct rather than replace existing plumbing fixtures.
Despite researchers’ findings, some companies have expressed concerns over the potential risks posed by their products when used with PEX. Especially since it can be quite challenging to maintain its integrity with daily use.
What happens when wipes go down the drain?
Given the prevalence of flushable wipes, it is unsurprising that many people assume tossing them down a toilet would be sufficient to ensure their decomposition and eventual removal from our environment. However, this isn’t always the case!
Most wipes that claim themselves to be biodegradable are only partially so; they still contain chemicals and other components that can take several weeks or even months before they disappear completely, rendering any residual wastes afterwards suitable for disposal.
On average, it takes approximately three days for most wet wipes to break down but some degradable versions can take as much as six weeks! Ultimately, you must make the decision whether to discard such products based on their current state of degradation.
What happens to wipes after they’re flushed?
Despite claims that flushable wipes are benign, as they disappear down the drain like other waste products, what happens to these items after they pass through?
TNT’s research reveals that many of these products, such as wet wipes and baby wipes, find their way into wastewater treatment facilities (WWTPs) throughout the United States. This includes places such as sewage plants, septic systems and landfills!
Waste Management has a robust disposal certification program intended to minimize any potential impact on surrounding ecosystems from its treated effluent which incorporates naturally occurring elements such as biomass.
Do flushing wipes break down and clog pipes over time?
Despite the fact that many individuals consider flushing wipes to be a convenient solution for eliminating waste and cleaning up after themselves, there is an inherent risk with such actions that must not be overlooked – namely their potential to wreak havoc upon your plumbing system. Despite their alluring appearance, these products can pose a significant threat to any drains or pipes that they come into contact with, eventually leading to clogging issues, thus necessitating costly repairs!
The prevalence of flushing wipes on the market today has led to reports that these items are creating a fair degree of difficulty for plumbers across the United States. While some may take this as direct evidence against them, it does not necessarily mean that all of these were produced in such a way as to compromise sanitation standards as well as lead to clogging problems within pipelines or drains. Therefore, if you find yourself dealing with issues related to those aspects don’t panic, it could simply indicate that everything is running just fine!
The bottom line
Despite their innocuous moniker, these products can prove to be a major headache for homeowners. Consider it akin to placing sanitary pads or feminine hygiene towels down the toilet.
If you have had issues with plumbing after using a product that claims to be flushable, chances are it was not meant for this purpose. For example, if you’ve experienced clogged drains after attempting to dispose of baby wipes, don’t be dismayed! Instead utilize an appropriate compost bin for them instead of attempting to dump them down your drain; it is imperative that all debris in contact with water be recycled effectively when disposing of any urine-soaked materials!
Seems like the only solution is to purchase some more specialized wipes that won’t bring about such complications. After all, why endure months of anguish and costly repairs over something so trivial?
Conclusion
The staggering truth is, your plumber has encountered multiple instances of flushed wipes wreaking havoc on pipes, and not just those of toilets!
The majority of residential plumbing products are designed for human passage and cannot tolerate prolonged contact with non-biodegradable materials such as wipes. They can become weakened or even collapse entirely due to prolonged exposure to these hazardous materials; creating potentially catastrophic damage when they’re used in conjunction with the toilet.
Toilets, sinks, drains and other components installed within your abode are under constant assault from all angles, from the exterior of the premises to the interior of your dwelling. Their primary purpose is to remain functional at all times; therefore ensuring maximum reliability and overall stability for residents is essential.
For those who have experienced issues with their plumbing due to flushed wipes, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our dedicated team will be able to address any concerns you may have related to plumbing problems and provide a free assessment that could lead to any necessary repairs being carried out at an accelerated pace!
Let’s get excited! It’s time to flush away all those worries associated with plumbing mishaps and create a more joyous life.
