Talking About Air Ventilation Systems

Can You Flush Wipes Down The Toilet If They Say They're Flushable?

In recent years, some companies have started to market wet wipes to adults. These adult wipes are basically the same product that gets marketed for use with babies. Adult wipes are made from a soft but tough woven product used to clean adults when they use the toilet. Some of these products have been marketed by their companies as "flushable." However, many adults question whether or not these products are actually safe for their pipes. Knowing whether or not these products are actually safe for your pipes can help save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on sewer and drain cleaning.

There Is No Standard Definition for the Term "Flushable."

Some products are described in terms that are carefully regulated by the government. For example, the word "organic" is only used to describe a product that has achieved a specific status. In order to be called organic, products must first be produced in a way that is approved of by the government.

Unlike the organic status, there is no government standard to control those products that are described as flushable. In other words, just about any product can call itself flushable, regardless of whether or not it's good for your pipes. The descriptive word flushable should be taken lightly by consumers and may only indicate that a product can fit down the pipes when the toilet is flushed. This has nothing to do with whether or not the product is good for your sewers.

Truly Flushable Items Should Decompose

Any flushable product should not be able to become caught in the sewer and lead to a clog. This is why standard toilet paper is designed to fall apart in water. Given a little time, any clogs that are the result of toilet paper will eventually break down in the sewer and wash away to the water treatment plant. In order to be truly flushable, wet wipes must behave the same way.

Wet Wipes are Designed to Be Tough

Wet wipes are designed to sit in water while stored in its package. Even when wiped against a person's body, wet wipes are designed to be tough. When caught in your sewers or pipes, wet wipes can form problematic blockages.

In other words, just because adult wipes say that they're safe to be flushed down the toilet doesn't mean that they should be sent down the drain. If you're a homeowner who is grappling with the decision of whether or not to flush your wet wipes, the best thing you can do is to throw the wipes away. This is best for your pipes, your sewer, and your plumbing bill. If you have more questions about wet wipes and your sewers, contact your local plumber. To find out more, speak with a business like A Absolute Plumbing & Heating.