Plumbing Tips
Are flushable wipes flushable

Flushable wipes sound like a convenient way to support better hygiene than dry toilet paper. However, even some of the best flushable wet wipes can leave you with unplanned plumbing repairs. Are flushable wipes really flushable? We break down the answer below.  

Why Most Flushable Wipes Aren’t Really Flushable 

Most products marketed as flushable wet wipes aren’t safe for your plumbing system, and they can create clogs and other issues that may be costly to overcome. 

Traditional baby wipes and wet wipes certainly aren’t flushable. These thick wipes can take many years to break down fully, even in water. But even products with packaging encouraging you to flush them should be approached with caution. Here’s why: 

  • So-called flushable wipes still take a long time to break down. Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water. You can even test this yourself by placing some in a clear container filled with water and giving it a vigorous stir or shake. You’ll see it start to break down quickly. But flushable wipes products are often designed to be more durable than toilet paper, and they can’t break down with a little moisture. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be wet wipes.  
  • They create a strain on your entire plumbing system. When flushed, wipes can band together to form large clogs, especially when other factors like grease are introduced into pipe systems. Are flushable wipes septic safe? Most are not because they don’t break down and can sludge up your septic system, leading to overflows or the need for extensive cleaning.  
  • Flushable wipes can damage larger wastewater systems. Even if they safely exit your home plumbing system, these wipes can build up in municipal systems and cause damage, strain and sewage backups.  

What to Do With “Flushable Wipes” Instead 

Avoid common plumbing problems associated with flushable wipes or the need for emergency drain clearing by not flushing anything but toilet paper. Dispose of wipes in the bathroom trash. Consider a wastebasket with a lid to help control odors or keep unsightly wipes from view.  

If you like to use wipes when traveling but don’t want to leave your wipes exposed in someone else’s wastebasket, consider carrying small zipper plastic bags with your wipes. You can place used wipes in a bag, seal it and throw the bag away. 

Can You Ever Flush a Flushable Wipe? 

In a true emergency, you can probably get away with flushing a single “flushable wipe.” However, making an exception here and there in your home can lead to a habit of flushing these wipes, which increases the likelihood you’ll experience a plumbing problem.  

Flushable wipe manufacturers are continuously updating products, and testing for flushability is growing. If you really want a wipe, you can flush occasionally, look for labels that demonstrate a product has been tested to ensure it breaks down in wastewater systems. 

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