Can You Flush Baby Wipes? (Find Out Now!)
Let’s talk toilets. Specifically, about what you should and should not put down your toilet. Next to toilet paper, baby wipes, makeup wipes, and other wet wipes are some of the most common items that get flushed down the toilet. However, that doesn’t mean they should be there.
In fact, you should never flush baby wipes and similar products down the toilet because they can clump together, clog your pipes, damage plumbing equipment, and destroy your septic system. Best case scenario, you will have to use a plunger or snake the drain yourself. Worst case, you’ll find yourself dealing with expensive plumbing repairs.
Knowing how to avoid toilet problems will save you time, frustration, and money. Let’s take a closer look at why you shouldn’t flush wipes down the toilet and gain some insight on what this means about flushable wipes, too.
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Why You Should Not Flush Wipes Down the Toilet
There are plenty of reasons not to flush your wipes down the toilet. For starters, it’s terrible for your pipes. Furthermore, this will lead to many frustrations for you, including costly repairs and an out-of-commission bathroom. Don’t believe us yet? Here is the science behind why not to flush your wipes.
They Do Not Break Down
Toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water, which means it breaks apart once it is completely submerged. In fact, every roll of toilet paper you have ever bought has passed strict regulations on how quickly it needs to break apart to be usable.
The same cannot be said for wipes. These are more fibrous and durable, which means they take a long time to break apart and may not even break down at all. Instead of dissolving in water, they maintain their shape and are forced down the drain as they are.
They Can Catch in the Pipe
The pipes connecting your toilet to the septic tank or sewage system bend in many places, which create spaces that are smaller than the regular diameter of the pipe itself. It is in these spaces that wipes can get caught and create a blockage down the road.
They Can Clump Together
In addition to getting caught in the corners of the pipes, wipes can clump together with each other anywhere throughout the journey. Even if you flush one at a time, you risk them forming a big ball further down the drain, completely clogging it. This can also happen on a bigger scale at sanitation plants if enough debris builds up and makes it through your own system.
They Can Ruin Sanitation Equipment
When you flush wipes, you’re not just hurting your own plumbing system. Even if your wipes make it through your pipes, they can cause expensive issues down at your local sanitation facility. They can jam pumps, vents, filters, and more, which then need to be cleared out and repaired in the case of a bad clog.
They’re Bad for Your Septic System
If your house has its own septic system, then you really should never use wipes. Common baby wipes are made with chemicals that will kill all the good bacteria in your septic system. When this happens, your septic system will stop working, which will lead to the tank getting filled with sewage and eventually have everything backed up into your house.
What About “Flushable” Wipes?
Many brands started making flushable wipes to work around the inconvenience of disposing soiled wipes. However, many plumbers state that you should not flush these either. While these types of baby wipes are specially manufactured to make it through your home’s plumbing system, they can still negatively impact the city’s wastewater treatment plant as a whole.
When flushable wipes first hit the market, plumbers and sanitation experts did not actually test them. Even if the wipes do break down over time, they often won’t by the time it reaches the sanitation facility. This leads to workers having to go in and clear those pipes.
And if you think that doesn’t affect you, you are paying for those cleaning and repair jobs with your tax dollars.
How to Deal with a Toilet Clogged with Baby Wipes
If wipes are already clogging your toilet there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. However, the one thing you can’t do is use chemicals. This is because baby wipes are designed to withstand many different compounds. This includes home remedies like vinegar, baking soda, hot water, and even bleach.
Your three best options when dealing with a toilet clogged with wipes are to…
- Use a Plunger
- Snake the Drain
- Call a Professional
Plunging the Toilet
Using a plunger is the least complicated solution to this problem, but it is not always guaranteed to work. Plungers force water down the pipe at a rapid rate, which will hopefully break apart clogs and push everything down the drain. If you are successful, you should hear water running once you remove the plunger.
Snaking the Drain
Next on the list is snaking the drain. This flexible wire is designed to grab obstructions in the pipe and pull everything out through the toilet. Since wipes won’t dissolve, your snake should be able to grab onto them quite easily, so you can dispose of them properly. However, this may not be the solution if the clog is too far down the drain.
Calling in the Experts
When all else fails, get in touch with your local plumbers. Trying home remedies is the easiest and least expensive options, but if the clog is bad enough, you could make it worse by leaving the problem unchecked by a professional. Though you may not want to pay, it’s better to resolve the issue sooner rather than later.
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Related Questions
Does flushing the toilet release bacteria?
Yes, flushing the toilet propels tiny droplets that can contain bacteria up to six feet out of the toilet. By closing the lid before you flush, you can reduce airborne particles by up to 50%.
What does hard water do to a toilet?
If the water is “too hard” for your plumbing system, it can cause minerals to build up inside the drain pipes, which will eventually cause a clog.
Conclusion
Quite simply, do not flush any sort of wipe down the toilet. Even flushable wipes can build up over time and cause issues with your toilet, pipes, septic tank, and the city’s sanitation facility. If you plan to use baby wipes, makeup wipes, or any other type of wet wipes, set up an alternative disposal system to ensure your toilet stays in top shape.
I am a copywriter and editor based in the Las Vegas area with nearly a decade of experience under my belt writing landing pages, cost guides, blog posts, newsletters, case studies, and social media content. I have a degree in Strategic Communication and experience working in both the account and creative spheres. My goal is to always be discovering new interests and bettering myself as a writer and editor along the way.
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