While supposedly “disposable” wipes have been advertised as being flushable for years, the marketing around this product has not been completely honest. As what was once marketed towards children has expanded to include adult sanitary products too, this has become a major problem for plumbing systems across the country. Keep reading to learn the risks of disposable wipes, and feel free to contact our expert Memphis plumbers at Smith’s Plumbing Services for more questions.
Problems with Flushing Disposable Wipes Down the Toilet Include:
- They are made from tough yet thin material: The cloth used to manufacture most disposable wipes is a non-woven combination of natural synthetic fibers, such as rayon and cotton mixed with polypropylene and polyethylene. This makes the material they are made from extremely strong but extremely thin at the same time, which in turn makes these wipes perfect for causing clogs. Because the material is so thin, it’s easy for it to accumulate quickly, and because it’s so tough, it’s hard for it to get unstuck.
- They cling to other types of waste: The average residential toilet drain pipe is just 4 inches wide. This allows for enough water to pass through your disposable wipes, but barely enough room for grease, hair, and other types of solid waste. Once more, we see how disposable wipes can easily clump materials together, creating a solid mass and clogging up your toilet.
- They are not biodegradable: Yet again, it’s key to note that the materials in disposable wipes—not unsimilar to what you would find in plastic bags or bottles—do not break down overtime, bringing us back to the pesky problem of clogs. On top of this, however, the non-biodegradable material used in plastic wipes is no only bad for your plumbing system, but for the environment. Even if you can afford to spend money on steep plumbing repairs, this is worth considering for those who wish to conserve water and are generally more environmentally conscious.
What Should You Use Instead of Disposable Wipes?
We are by no means saying you should never use disposable wipes. Obviously, there are sanitary benefits to these products. But if possible, you should try to only use disposable wipes some of the time, while still using regular (or biodegradable toilet paper,) too. Another option is to purchase a separate waste receptacle for disposable wipes.
If you do experience clogs in your toilet, make sure to call our Memphis plumbers immediately. We provide everything from drain cleaning to backflow service to kitchen and bathroom remodeling, all at a reasonable price.
Feel free to dial (901) 290-1110 for emergency service anytime, or contact us online right now.