Can Flushable Wipes Be Flushed?

As people become more conscious of germs and personal cleanup, the concerns for public and private sewer systems have risen with the popular use of disinfecting wipes and other “flushable” wipes.

Disinfecting wipes, “flushable” self-care wipes, and any other sanitizing napkins are not suited to be disposed of down the drain, regardless of whether the packaging says “flushable.” While this disposal method may be convenient, it can have costly ramifications in the long run.

Why Flushable Wipes Aren’t Safe to Flush

Toilet paper and bio-waste will disintegrate quickly, and the sewer systems were specifically designed to handle them. Meanwhile, sanitizing wipes and other paper or synthetic fiber–based products take much longer to decompose, which causes a buildup inside drain lines. Plumbing repairs are virtually guaranteed to be in your future if you flush wipes. Improper disposal can lead to severe blockages, sewer damage, and backups at wastewater treatment facilities, which could lead to extreme public health concerns like overflows.

Problems Caused by Flushable Wipes

While so-called “flushable” wipes may leave you feeling fresh and clean, whenever they go down the drain, they leave your plumbing system feeling anything but. Here is just a short list of the havoc these sanitary items can wreak on your system:

• Clogged pipes
• Limited drainage capacity
• Sewer backups & overflows
• Overwhelmed treatment facilities

Are you concerned about your sewage or plumbing system? Time to call in the experts at ABC! Call us today at 888-868-6667 or contact us online and schedule your assessment!

How to Safely Dispose of Flushable Wipes

Everyone wants to leave the bathroom with a sense of rejuvenated freshness. Personal wipes can be a fantastic tool to get you there. However, these wipes need to be thrown in the trash after use – even if the packaging says “flushable” or “septic-safe.” Properly dispose of your wipes and protect your pipes!

The International Water Services Flushability Group, which works hand in hand with nationwide water authorities, lists the following conditions for when something is safe for the drain:

• Must break into small pieces quickly
• Must not be buoyant
• Must only contain materials which will readily degrade in a range of natural environments

If you suspect your system may have a potential blockage, don’t wait – call your plumber right away!

Contact Us for Your Chicago Plumbing Needs

Are you ready to find all of your experts in one place? At ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric, you will not only get the best plumbers in the business, but you can find specialists with an unparalleled range of expertise!

Contact us if you’ve flushed disposable wipes and caused a plumbing emergency, or anytime you need a plumber in Chicago. Call us today at 888-868-6667 or contact us online and let us know how we can help you!