5 Reasons Why Flushable Wipes Aren’t Really Flushable [infographic]

Product manufacturers market wet wipes as “flushable” all the time, but are they really? At Thornburg & Associates, Inc., we want you to steer clear of so-called flushable wipes to preserve your plumbing or septic system. Here are just a few reasons why you should never, ever flush wipes down the toilet, and why toilet paper is the only thing that should get flushed.

1. They wreak havoc on the city sewer or your septic system—In the event that your wipes do not clog up your pipes and move out into the city sewer system or your home septic system, a blockage may happen elsewhere. This can result in a backed-up sewer that lets wastewater in through your drains, bathtub, sinks, and other openings.
2. They clog your pipes—Since flushable wipes fail to break down as quickly as they should, they can accumulate within your pipes. If you flush a ton of wipes down your system, huge blockages could make it hard to use your plumbing without immediate professional help.
3. They trap fats, oils, grease, and other substances—Have you heard of the fatberg effect? This condition occurs when wipes combine with the fat, grease, oils, and other dirt that accumulates in your pipes, creating an iceberg-like formation that clogs your plumbing and drains.
4. They don’t break apart quickly—Although you may assume that, like toilet paper, wipes disintegrate over time, this isn’t the case. While flushable wipes will eventually break down, the rate at which this happens still makes them virtually imperishable.
5. They only disintegrate under harsh conditions—Most wipes earn the distinction of “flushable” during vigorous testing processes. Your home’s plumbing system simply does not maintain a similar harsh environment, so your wipes will disintegrate at a much, much slower rate, if at all.