Are Flushable Wipes Bad for Your Plumbing?

Flushable wipes are advertised as a convenient way to clean up after your baby, but you should think twice before tossing them into the toilet bowl. Flushable wipes may be convenient for some situations, but they are made from materials that can cause problems in your plumbing system. At Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh, we have seen firsthand the issues that arise in homes where wipes are frequently flushed. If you use wipes and notice more clogs and backups in your home, it could result from these wipes sitting in your pipes. You may be tired of investing in one plumbing service after another. If you want to improve the efficiency and longevity of your pipes, then it's best to discard them in the trash can. If you want to know why, read below to find out why flushable wipes may lead to more plumbing problems.

Flushable Wipes Don't Break Down Like Toilet Paper

While toilet paper is made from similar materials as flushable wipes, it is not the same. Flushable wipes often contain non-biodegradable products such as plastic and polyester. This means that a single flush of these wipes could have a larger impact on your plumbing than an entire roll of toilet paper.

Flushable Wipes May Lead to Recurring Backups and Clogs

Flushable wipes should be able to break down in a sewer system, but they often don't. The problem is that these wipes are thicker than toilet paper and can get stuck in pipes. This causes a blockage and can lead to backups or even overflowing sewage flowing into your home. To avoid problems with your plumbing, it's best not to use flushable wipes. Instead, use only toilet paper for flushing purposes; otherwise, you could have messy issues in your bathroom, kitchen, or basement.

How Flushable Wipes Can Affect a Septic Tank

Since flushable wipes are usually not biodegradable, they can take up precious space inside your septic system. If they aren't removed frequently, the result can be backups, recurring clogs, and an overflowing tank or dysfunctional drain field. In addition, the oils and chemicals used in the wipes could impact the development of beneficial bacteria inside the tank, potentially decreasing the ability for other solids to be properly broken down promptly enough. If you want to avoid pumping your tank every few months, then it's best to leave your wipes out of your septic system.

What to Do If Wipes Have Already Caused a Blockage in Your Pipes

While prevention is always the best way to handle these issues, property owners may have unknowingly used wipes for a long time. If you suspect that flushing wipes may have caused your plumbing problems, then call a plumber in Coraopolis, PA. They can provide a drain cleaning and hydro jetting service to remove any debris that may be trapped inside your pipes so your wastewater can flow freely again.

Do You Need a Professional Plumbing Service?

Are you looking for a qualified plumber in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or the surrounding metro area? There's no need to continue struggling with stubborn blockages or messy backups. Get your pipes taken care of fast by calling the team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Pittsburgh. Our dependable plumbers are always ready to help local clients improve the condition of their pipes and fixtures. Contact our specialists to learn more or to schedule an appointment.

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