Can you remember the first time you used a wet wipe instead of regular old toilet paper? It was probably strange at first, but after a few more trips you were hooked. While they might do a superb job on the cleanup, they aren’t exactly the hero we thought they were when we first bought them. Five Star Plumbing, the #1 plumbers in Harford County, explain whether flushable wipes are really safe to flush?

Breaking it all Down

    Wet wipes are often marketed as “flushable,” and “septic-safe,” so really there shouldn’t be a problem with flushing them down the toilet, right? Well, this might not be the case after all. Even though these wipes do eventually break down, they take a longer amount of time to do so compared to toiled paper. Since the breakdown of wet wipes isn’t as rapid, clogged pipes and blockages occur more frequently. Putting your home’s plumbing at greater risk for serious clogs translates to hefty plumbing bills for you.

    Which Flushable Products cause Blockages?

      After these so called “flushable” wipes are flushed, they might get caught up with other items that are currently in your sewer line. Thick toilet paper, paper towels, cotton swabs, dental floss, sanitary pads, and toilet cleaning pads are all commonly flushed items that can contribute to clogs and backups. 

      The combination of these items with wet wipes will create a mess of a blockage known as “ragging.”

      What can I safely Flush?

        Manufactures provide test results stating that flushable wipes are deemed safe to flush–however, there is evidence that supports the flushing of these wipes can increase the risk of clogged sewer lines and require pumping of septic tanks more often. Even though wipes might feel like the greatest invention since sliced bread, opt out of using them. If you must, don’t flush but dispose them in the waste basket. Toilet paper is the only thing flushed well outside of the obvious items.

        Need Help From An Experienced Plumber? 

        Five Star Plumbing Services is locally owned and operated, being in business since 1991. Our core values include responsiveness, honesty, and integrity. Our technician will provide you with a flat rate fee up front so you know exactly what to expect. No hidden fees. We service residents in both Harford County and Baltimore County.

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