For many years the only things that could be safely put down the toilet were human waste and toilet paper. But, in recent years the flushable wipe has become very popular. As the name suggests, it’s designed to be flushed in the same way as toilet paper. But, because it’s a wipe, it provides a more hygienic option than toilet paper.
Of course, in the western world, the most common trend remains using toilet paper. This isn’t the case across the globe, many cultures don’t use toilet paper, preferring to wash any waste away. There is a growing body of evidence that confirms washing is a more hygienic option than using dry tissue paper.
That is part of the reason the wipe was introduced, a halfway point between the two worlds. This has led to the creation of the flushable wipe which must, by definition, be okay to flush.
Check The Label
It’s important to note that not all wipes are flushable. It must state clearly on the packet that they are okay to flush and even to use with septic systems. If not, you’re going to experience issues.
Although the wet wipe will go down the toilet, it’s made of a thicker material than flushable wipes or toilet paper. That means it is likely to move slowly through the pipes and will have additional problems with corners. The slight roughness inside the pipe can cause the wipe to snag.
If it’s not flushable it will stay there for a while and gradually cause a clog in the pipes. You can find a good sewer camera for sale and look inside your pipes to see if there are any issues like this.
The Truth About Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes are designed to go down the toilet. They won’t usually cause a clog unless you put an awful lot of paper into the toilet. This is because of the way they are made. Get a piece of toilet paper wet and it will disintegrate in your hands in seconds.
But, flushable wipes are already wet and designed to stay wet. Although they are made with the same materials as toilet paper, they are woven differently. You can flush them and they will decompose. But, this takes significantly longer than toilet paper to decompose. That means, even the flushable wipes can cause an issue in your pipes.
Add to this the fact that flushable wipes are fully regulated and you’ll find many manufacturers add this to their wipes because it increases sales. The truth is any wipe can be flushed down the toilet but there is no guarantee they won’t cause a clog
If you want to keep your pipes clear the best idea is to put used wipes in the bin and only flush your toilet paper down the toilet. It gives you the pleasure of wipes without the concerns regarding your plumbing and a potentially expensive bill.
