Most individuals have found themselves in a situation whereby they are in the middle of using the restroom when they realize they are out of toilet paper. In a panic, you remember that you have a pack of “flushable” wipes in your purse or pockets. So, you use one of the wipes and then flush it down the toilet.
But are flushable wipes safe for your toilet? Flushable wipes are one of the most popular products on the market today. Most manufacturers often advertise them as a safe and convenient way to clean up after using the restroom. However, there’s growing evidence that these wipes are anything but flushable. Flushing them down the toilet can lead to some severe problems. There are eight dangers of flushing these wipes down a toilet.
1. They Can Clog Your Toilet
One of the most common problems associated with flushing “flushable” wipes down the toilet is that they can easily clog your toilet. The wipes don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper. As a result, they can buildup up your pipes and cause a clog.
If you have a septic tank, flushing “flushable” wipes down the toilet can also lead to clogs in your leach field. You’ll need to have your leach field professionally cleaned when this happens, which can be very costly.
2. They Can Cause Sewage Backups
Another problem associated with flushing “flushable” wipes down the toilet can cause sewage backups. As mentioned before, the wipes don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper does. As a result, they can buildup up your sewer lines and cause a blockage.
If the blockage is severe enough, it can cause sewage to back up into your home through your toilets, drains, and even your shower. This can be very dangerous, as sewage can contain harmful bacteria and viruses.
3. They Can Damage Your Toilet
Another problem with flushing “flushable” wipes down the toilet can damage your toilet. This is because manufacturers often make the wipes using tough material that can scratch the surface of your toilet bowl. Over time, this can cause your toilet bowl to become stained and dull.
4. They Can Contaminate Drinking Water
Flushing “flushable” wipes down the toilet can also contaminate drinking water. This is because, as mentioned before, the wipes can cause sewage backups. If the sewage backs up into a water treatment plant, it can contaminate the water in the treatment process. This can lead to serious health problems in some cases, as the contaminated water can contain harmful bacteria and viruses. In some cases, it can even be fatal.
5. They Can Cause Flooding
As mentioned before, flushing “flushable” wipes down the toilet can cause sewage backups. If the blockage is severe enough, it can cause flooding. It comes with many problems, as floodwaters can contain harmful bacteria and viruses.
What’s more, floodwaters can also damage your home. They can cause extensive damage to your flooring, walls, and furniture. In some cases, they can even cause structural damage.
6. They Can Attract vermin
Another problem with flushing “flushable” wipes down the toilet is that they can attract vermin. The wipes often contain food particles and other materials that attract vermin. If you have a sewage backup, it can attract rats, mice, and other pests into your home.
7. They Can Cause Allergies
Flushing the wipes down the toilet can also cause allergies. The wipes often contain fragrances and other chemicals that can cause allergic reactions in some people. In severe cases, it can even lead to asthma attacks.
8. They Can Be Harmful to the Environment
Finally, flushing “flushable” wipes down the toilet can harm the environment. The wipes often contain plastic and other materials that can take years to break down. As a result, they can end up in landfills and oceans, where they can do severe damage.
Conclusion
Just because something is flushable does not mean it is flushing to its full potential. Most companies have a long list of ingredients on the back of their packages, and it would be best for you to take a good look at those lists before you flush anything down the toilet. “Flushable” wipes and other items from several companies cause over $18 million in damages and repair costs annually, and it’s only going to get worse as time goes on. Take care of your plumbing system, and it will take care of you.