Flushable wipes are gaining in popularity. Many people like them because they provide a thoroughly clean feeling after using the toilet. Using a wipe is almost like cleaning with soap and water after each trip to the toilet. Almost.
Though these wipes are billed as “flushable” on the packaging, any repiping plumber in Aliso Viejo will tell you that they are not, indeed, flushable. You may be able to flush them, but you definitely should not. Here are a few reasons why:
They Can Clog Pipes
Unfortunately, there isn’t much regulation about what manufacturers can print on their packaging. There are no specific guidelines about what constitutes “flushable,” such as how quickly the materials must break down, how easily they have to glide through the pipes, and so on. Technically, a gym sock is flushable since it can go down your pipes, but that doesn’t mean that it should be advertised as such.
The reality is that these wipes stick around for a long time after they are flushed, and they can accumulate in your pipes. They can eventually clog your pipes. Clogged pipes can be a simple nuisance, causing a backup of water onto your floors, or they can be a major problem. Clogged pipes put pressure on your system, which can damage your pipes and cause you to need Oceanside repipe repair or more extensive repiping, depending on how far the problem spreads.
They Can Clog Your Septic System
Say the flushable wipes make it through your pipes without clogging them up. They are going to end up in your septic system, where they will pile up over time. They don’t break down easily, so they will just stay in the septic tank. Plus, they are thicker than toilet paper, so they take up more bulk. Over time, the system can get clogged.
At a minimum, if your septic system is clogged, you’ll have to pump it more frequently. However, if the problem is severe, you could end up with other problems in your plumbing system. You might need to invest in Aliso Viejo repipe repair, or you might end up with water damage in your home.
They Can Damage Water Treatment Plants
Flushable wipes aren’t just bad for your plumbing system, they are also bad for your local water system. The wipes can end up in your city’s wastewater system, which can flow into a water treatment plant or even local bodies of water.
You may not think too much about that since it’s not your property and not your problem. However, if your local officials have to pay big bucks to clean or repair a water treatment plant because too many people are using flushable wipes, they are going to look to recoup those expenses some way – including raising taxes for everyone.
Alternatives to Flushable Wipes
Toilet paper is designed for your body and your plumbing system. When you use toilet paper, you don’t have to worry about a call to an Oceanside repiping plumber in your future. However, if you miss the feeling that flushable wipes provide, you can get it back by simply installing a bidet. The bidet will give you a little splash of water when you are done using the toilet, and you will feel clean and refreshed. Just wipe with your regular toilet paper, or use a reusable cloth wipe (that you don’t throw in your toilet, of course).
Flushable wipes may seem comfortable and convenient, but they can create a big hassle for you later. Don’t be fooled by the advertising. They are not safe for your plumbing, and the convenience you experience will soon be outweighed by the expensive plumbing repairs you have to make. Just skip the wipes and opt for the alternatives instead.
If you have used flushable wipes and you’re now dealing with consistent clogged pipes or septic problems, call the repiping specialists at Integrity Repipe in California. We are a trusted repiping company that offers both repipe repair and total repiping. An experienced plumber from our team will inspect your system to determine the best course of action to solve your current and future problems. Depending on how long you have been using the wipes and the extent of the damage they have caused, you may just need a simple repipe repair and consider yourself lucky to have learned your lesson. Call us in California today to schedule a consultation with a repiping plumber.
Published by – Integrity Repipe Inc
Integrity Repipe Inc – San Clemente, CA
927 Calle Negocio Suite O
San Clemente, CA 92673
Phone: 949-397-2404
Website: integrityrepipe.com/san-clemente
Integrity Repipe Inc – Long Beach, CA
2201 N Lakewood Blvd, Ste D #297
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: 562-362-5040
Website: integrityrepipe.com/long-beach
Integrity Repipe Inc – Chula Vista, CA
591 Telegraph Canyon Road
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-313-5744
Website: integrityrepipe.com/chula-vista
Integrity Repipe Inc – Ladera Ranch, CA
27762 Antonio Parkway L1
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Phone: 949-397-2795
Website: integrityrepipe.com/ladera-ranch
Integrity Repipe Inc – Lakeside, CA
8337 Winter Gardens Boulevard
Lakeside, CA 92040
Phone: 619-494-3507
Website: integrityrepipe.com/lakeside
Integrity Repipe Inc – Aliso Viejo, CA
27068 La Paz Rd #771
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: 949-449-1142
Website: integrityrepiping.com/aliso-viejo-repipe-copper-pex-ca
Integrity Repipe Inc – Oceanside, CA
1759 Oceanside Blvd C,
Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: 442-300-3057
Website: integrityrepiping.com/oceanside-repipe-copper-pex
Integrity Repipe Inc – Porter Ranch, CA
19360 Rinaldi
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
Phone: 818-630-9265
Website: integrityrepiping.com/porter-ranch/