Can Flushable Wipes Damage My Plumbing?

The short answer is yes. Nothing other than septic-safe toilet paper should be disposed of in your plumbing system. Anything else, including items labeled as “flushable,” should not be flushed. Wipes and other debris, such as paper towels, cotton swabs, and feminine hygiene products, clog toilets and pipes and cause massive damage, causing costly repairs. If you experience plumbing or toilet clogs, contact one of our experienced local plumbers and septic tank company for repairs. At Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service, we arrive quickly and can help mitigate damages to your plumbing and septic tank efficiently. Give us a call today to schedule service with our septic tank plumbers in Gainesville, FL.

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What Are Flushable Wipes?

Flushable wipes are disposable moist towelettes marketed as being able to be flushed down the toilet. Companies who make flushable wipes claim they break down in your plumbing system and do not cause plumbing problems. However, regardless of the brand or type of wipe, they never break down and can quickly cause massive clogs in your toilets, pipes, and septic tank.

What Happens If I Flush Wipes? 

Wet wipes get stuck in your pipes, in the public sewer system, or in your home’s septic tank. Unlike toilet paper that dissolves in water, flushable wipes never break down. Especially with continued use, wipes lead to backups, clogs, blockages, and eventually flooding.

Clogged Toilets 

Even the most advanced and modern toilets can clog from time to time. While the wipes may seem to be going down, they can easily get trapped in the “S” pipe in your toilet, causing a significant backup. 

Plumbing Clogs

If the wipes make it through your toilet, the next place they can get stuck is in your plumbing system. There are hundreds of feet of plumbing pipes in your home, and backups can impact the entire system. 

Septic Tank Issues

In addition to potentially clogging your pipes, “flushable” wipes will build up where the septic tank collects solids, leading to the need for more frequent septic pumping. This increases your plumbing costs and can create a clogging hazard for your septic system.

Call Jones Plumbing & Septic Tank Service For Clogged Septic Tank Service

While wet wipes can be convenient, they should never be flushed down the toilet. Significant damage can be done to your plumbing and septic systems, especially with continued use. If a plumbing or septic system issue occurs, be sure to call our experienced and responsive septic tank plumbers as soon as possible. Damages left unaddressed can quickly worsen and cause more damage. Contact us today for more information on proper septic tank care and to schedule an appointment.