Every time you flush a toilet wipe, you risk sewer backup in your home. While some wipes are labeled as “flushable,” this does not mean they will break down like toilet paper!
Read on to learn more about the risks of flushing wipes and what you can do to avoid them:
1. Wipes Don’t Disintegrate
Most people probably think that if they flush a wet wipe down the toilet, it will dissolve and disappear without a trace. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Wet wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper, so they can easily clog up your toilet and drainage system.
When wipes don’t break down, they can cause serious clogs that lead to sewer backups. Wipes are one of the most common items that plumbers have to remove from sewer lines.
2. Wipes Can Damage Your Sewer System
If a wet wipe makes its way through your toilet and into the sewer system, it can cause even more problems. Once in the sewer system, wipes can catch on to other debris and form giant clogs. These clogs can quickly become too big for sewage treatment facilities to handle, resulting in overflows.
A backed-up sewer system can also lead to your home flooding with sewage. This is not only gross and dangerous, but it can also be costly to clean up.
3. Wipes Can Cause a “Fatberg.”
A fatberg is a massive clump of wet wipes, grease, and other debris that can clog up an entire sewer system. Fatbergs are becoming more and more common as people flush more wipes down the toilet.
In 2019, a fatberg measuring 84 meters long and weighing in at 90 tons was found in Liverpool’s sewer system. The fatberg caused so much damage that it took workers nine weeks to remove it.
4. You Could Be Fined for Flushing Wipes
In some areas, it is actually against the law to flush wet wipes down the toilet. This is because of the damage that they can cause to sewer systems. If you are caught flushing wipes, you could be fined.
5. There Are Better Alternatives
If you need to use wet wipes, plenty of alternatives won’t damage your plumbing.
For example, you can dispose of wet wipes in the trash instead of flushing them. You can also use reusable wipes. These are made of cloth and can be washed and used again. Not only are they better for the environment, but they’re also better for your plumbing.
Bottom Line
Whether using wet wipes for personal hygiene or cleaning up around the house, it’s important to dispose of them properly. Flushing them down the toilet can cause serious problems for your sewer system, so it’s best to avoid doing it.
You can always contact Dial One Sonshine for any of your plumbing questions or if you have a clogged drain that needs cleared! Contact us online or give us a call: (714) 613-1016