It’s no secret that wipes have become an essential item in many households. They’re marketed as a convenient tool for cleaning and personal hygiene, often labeled “flushable” to suggest easy disposal. But the reality is much more complicated—and costly. As plumbers who serve the Outer Banks community, we’ve seen firsthand the damage wipes can cause to plumbing systems.
The “Flushable” Myth
The term “flushable” is a major source of confusion. Many consumers assume that if a product says it can be flushed, it must be safe for their plumbing. However, this is not necessarily the case. Most wipes don’t break down in water the same way toilet paper does. Once flushed, they remain largely intact, posing a significant risk to your plumbing and even the wider sewage system.
Unlike toilet paper, which disintegrates shortly after flushing, wipes are designed to be durable. While this might make them ideal for cleaning, it’s disastrous for your pipes. Once they’re flushed, wipes can build up in your plumbing, leading to stubborn clogs that can damage your home’s plumbing system.
Why Wipes Cause Major Issues
The problem doesn’t end with your home’s plumbing. Even if wipes make it through your pipes, they can cause significant issues at wastewater treatment plants. These facilities are designed to handle biological waste and toilet paper, not the tough, synthetic fibers found in wipes. As a result, wipes can contribute to equipment failures, increase treatment costs, and even lead to environmental problems when they aren’t properly filtered out.
In septic systems, the situation can be even worse. The wipes don’t break down, meaning they sit in the tank, slowly accumulating and reducing the efficiency of the system. Over time, this could lead to expensive repairs.
A Plumber’s Perspective
“As a plumber with over 20 years of experience in the Outer Banks, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to clear out clogs caused by wipes,” says John Osborn, Owner of Action Plumbing. “It’s frustrating because most people don’t realize they’re causing a problem until it’s too late. If I could give just one piece of advice, it would be this: Don’t trust the ‘flushable’ label. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pipes.”
What Happens When You Flush Wipes
When wipes enter your plumbing, they often don’t make it very far before becoming stuck. Over time, they can accumulate, attracting other debris, such as hair, grease, and soap scum. This leads to slow drainage at best and total blockages at worst. The result? Expensive emergency plumbing calls that could have been avoided by simply throwing wipes in the trash.
Beyond clogs, flushing wipes may cause damage to your plumbing pipes that go beyond simple drain cleaning. This includes damage to pipes and leaks that can damage walls, flooring, cabinetry and more.
Wipes in Commercial and Public Plumbing
Homes aren’t the only places where wipes wreak havoc. Public restrooms, hotels, and businesses are often the victims of wipes being flushed. Commercial plumbing systems may be designed to handle more volume, but they aren’t immune to clogs. For business owners, this can mean disruption to their business while repairs are made.
In public restrooms, where wipes are more likely to be flushed in larger numbers, municipalities face increased maintenance and repair costs. This impacts everyone, as taxpayer dollars are often used to fix problems that could have been avoided.
Environmentally Harmful
Another significant issue with wipes is their environmental impact. Many of these products are made from synthetic materials, meaning they don’t break down naturally in the environment. When wipes aren’t properly filtered out at wastewater treatment plants, they can end up in waterways, where they pose a threat to wildlife.
Microplastics, which are increasingly recognized as a major environmental hazard, can also form when wipes degrade over time. These tiny plastic particles can enter the food chain, harming marine life and even making their way back to human consumption through seafood.
The Better Alternative
The simplest solution to avoid these problems is to stop flushing wipes entirely. Even products labeled “flushable” should be disposed of in the trash. There are also more eco-friendly alternatives on the market, such as biodegradable wipes. While these still shouldn’t be flushed, they do break down more easily in a landfill, reducing their environmental impact.
Another option is to use reusable cleaning cloths for household chores. These can be washed and reused multiple times, cutting down on both waste and the likelihood of clogs in your plumbing.
Protect Your Pipes
In the Outer Banks, many homes have septic systems or older plumbing infrastructure that is especially vulnerable to wipes. If you own a rental property or vacation home, it’s a good idea to leave clear instructions for guests to avoid flushing wipes. Post a sign in the bathroom reminding visitors to use the trash bin for wipes and other products.
John adds, “Education is key. It’s a small step that can save thousands of dollars in repairs.”
Final Thoughts
Wipes may seem like a small convenience, but they come with a big downside. Whether you’re at home or managing a rental property, flushing wipes can lead to serious plumbing problems. By disposing of wipes properly and educating others about their dangers, you can help protect your pipes, your Outer Banks home, and the environment.
