Can You Flush Flushable Wipes? A Licensed Plumber Gives The Definitive Answer
Wet wipes are very popular for personal hygiene. There are many types on the market in Australia, such as woven and non-woven, plasticised, biodegradable, compostable and many other kinds of wipes; the list goes on and on. However, it’s hard to know which ones are actually safe to flush.
Many say their particular flushable wipes are okay and safe to flush down the toilet. But are they really safe? We’ll find out in this article. We’ll look at how flushable wipes affect your plumbing system, whether it’s a common home or business plumbing system or relies on a septic tank setup.
We’ll talk about the difference between regular wipes and flushable wipes that meet the AS/NZS 5328 standard. We’ll also look at the risks of flushing non-flushable wipes. These are risks not just for you and your family or work colleagues. They can include clogged pipes and blockages, which are expensive and time consuming to repair, but also the cost to our water system and environment.
By the end of this blog, you’ll know more about wipes than you ever thought possible, why this should be relevant to your plumbing and how to dispose of wipes thoughtfully. Armed with this know-how, you can help protect your plumbing system from expensive fixes as well as our beautiful environment. And as always, if you need a plumber in Hornsby, repairs in Chatswood, or dependable service in Kellyville, or anywhere in the North Shore or Hills district, the whole of Sydney have trusted for decades, get in touch now.
Key Takeaways
- Not all wipes labelled as “flushable” are safe to flush down your toilet.
- Flushing any non-flushable wipes can lead to clogged pipes, sewer blockages, and other costly plumbing visits.
- What is a Certified flushable wipes standard that is designed to disintegrate and biodegrade?
- Always read the labels carefully to determine if a wipe is truly safe to flush.
- Dispose of non-flushable wipes in the bin to protect your plumbing and the environment.
The Truth About Flushable Wipes
There are tonnes of items many of us use in our homes that are claimed to be flushable. Cosmetic remover wipes, water wipes for wiping hands before food, nappy changing wipes, hypoallergenic wipes, toileting wipes, intimate hygiene wipes, cleaning wipes and too many more to name. Also known as wet wipes, handy wipes or flushable wipes, we enjoy their convenience and hygiene. But not all wipes are created equal.
It’s important to know the difference between regular wipes and “flushable” ones. This helps avoid problems with your plumbing and the environment. Discover the truth about flushable wipes and their possible impact on your plumbing system. Learn which wipes are truly safe to flush and how to protect your sewage system.
What Makes a Wipe Flushable?
Flushable wipes actually must break down quickly and safely in sewers. Manufacturers are supposed to follow these rules when fabricating these wipes at the design level and in the factory where they are made. They often use materials that disintegrate fast, like toilet paper. The problem is that in order to get a wipe that is strong enough for often rigorous handling without falling apart, additional substances are included in fabrication, such as polymers and plastics. That’s why if you want to be on the safe side, it’s probably best not to flush anything other than toilet paper. But we also acknowledge that many companies have invested significantly in designing wipes that are less harmful to drains, so it’s difficult to make a blanket statement like “don’t flush anything other than toilet paper”.
The Difference Between Regular Wipes and Flushable Wipes
Regular wet wipes, like baby wipes, are fairly strong in water and handling. They don’t tend to break down easily, which is why they are great for cleaning jobs. Unfortunately, it is this very quality of strength that can cause blockages to occur both in your domestic and commercial plumbing or further down the wastewater system, leading to the formation of fatbergs in sewers and open water.
There are other ways to produce a more tensile and tactile wipe, by compressing several layers of intertwined fabric. This fabricised wipe would be strong enough to handle well, also flush better and entirely disintegrate. Certified flushable wipes, however, are tested to disintegrate fast.
This makes them a better choice for flushing. It is claimed that they are safe for septic and sewer systems. Although we have been skeptical about these for years, it’s difficult to argue with the data.
| Regular Wipes | “Flushable” Wipes |
|---|---|
| Made from non-woven fibres | Made from materials that disintegrate quickly |
| Do not break down easily in water | Designed to break down rapidly in water and agitation |
| Can cause blockages in plumbing and sewer systems | Safe for use in both septic and sewer systems |
| Contribute to the formation of fatbergs | Do not contribute to the formation of fatbergs |
“Always read the label carefully to determine whether a wipe is genuinely flushable or if it should be disposed of in the bin. By making informed choices about the products you use and how you dispose of them, you can help protect your home’s plumbing system and the environment from the negative impacts of non-flushable wipes” David Vanny – Andrew Vanny Plumbing
The Dangers of Flushing Non-Flushable Wipes
Flushing wipes down the toilet can harm your plumbing system as well as the environment, as a whole. Most of the most commonly used wipes, like baby wipes and cleaning wipes, don’t break down easily or quickly in water. This is because they have a plasticised polymer inherent in their manufacture.
Once flushed, this causes them to gather and get weighted down by any fats or other products flushed down the toilet. This can cause them to clog up your sewage pipes, causing an occlusion that a plumber has to come and clear. These items can be carried into the actual water system and create havoc further down the sewage line in the municipal water system.
Clogged Pipes and Plumbing Issues
Toilet paper breaks down fast, but wipes don’t necessarily. They can build up in your domestic pipes, even affecting the drainage of your property. This can slow down not only your but your neighbours’ drains, too. This causes pressure within your pipework system, and if you leave the problem unresolved for long enough, it can even break your pipes.
Environmental Impact of Non-Flushable Wipes
Flushing away wipes down the toilet also harms the environment. When mixed in with with fats, oils and some bodily by-products, huge clogs can be formed. These blocks can damage water drainage systems, including sewers, and may cost a great deal of time and money to repair.
In addition, it actually takes more water or greater pressure to completely flush some wipes. So, for example, in order to conserve water, Sydney has in place a reduced water pressure programme. In theory, the less the water pressure, the less incidence of leaks in the entire system. In addition, each flush uses less water to save this valuable resource. In reality, a plasticised wipe or cosmetic wipe can take up to 2 flushes or so to completely flush down your loo, which costs more money and water use. So the kind of wipe we flush becomes very relevant.
Wipes floating in oceans can hurt marine life, too. Some of these wipes take years to break down fully. In the meantime, animals and aquatic life can ingest these partially broken wipes, thinking they are food. As a result, these fish and birds can get sick from eating these non-edible wipes, which sometimes even get tangled in the throat or stomach organs of the creature.
The Cost of Plumbing Repairs Due to Non-Flushable Wipes
Fixing plumbing problems from wipes can be very expensive. You might need to replace pipes or dig up your yard. This can cost thousands of dollars.
To avoid expensive repairs, throw away wipes properly. If you have a plumbing problem, call us at Andrew Vanny Plumbing. We offer fast and reliable services.
Can You Flush Flushable Wipes?
The term “flushable” on wipes can be confusing. Many wipes are called flushable but aren’t safe for your plumbing or the environment. Even though they seem convenient, they can still cause problems in your plumbing and beyond.
So, how do you know which wipes are safe to flush? In Australia and New Zealand, the AS/NZS 5328 Flushable Products legislation has strict rules. This standard makes sure wipes labelled as flushable can break down quickly and won’t harm plumbing or sewers.
AS/NZS 5328 Flushable Products Legislation
To be certified as flushable under the AS/NZS 5328 standard, wipes must:
- Break down quickly in the sewage system.
- Do not cause blockages or damage to plumbing.
- Pass a series of stringent tests, including the slosh box disintegration test and the drain line clearance test.
Seeing the AS/NZS 5328 certification logo on wipes means they’ve been tested and are safe to flush. But remember, even certified flushable wipes shouldn’t be flushed in large amounts. Flush just one or two wipes at a time and always follow the product’s instructions.
“The development of the AS/NZS 5328 standard is a significant step forward in providing clarity for consumers about what can and cannot be flushed.” David Vanny – Andrew Vanny Plumbing
If you’re not sure if your wipes are truly flushable, it’s best to throw them away. Remember, bio-degradable wipes might break down faster, but they’re not flushable unless they meet the AS/NZS 5328 standard. By being careful about what you flush and choosing certified flushable products, you can protect your plumbing and the environment.
How to Dispose of Wipes Properly
It’s key to know what’s safe for your plumbing and the environment when disposing of wipes. Many use wipes to clean after the toilet, but not all are safe. Even some “flushable” wipes, like those from Kimberly Clark, might not break down well in water.
To keep your pipes clear and protect the environment, dispose of wipes correctly. Don’t flush standard wet wipes down the toilet. They don’t dissolve like toilet paper does. Instead, throw them in the bin.
Alternatives to Flushing Wipes
If you like using wipes, there are safer options. Look for wipes that are certified as flushable under the AS/NZS 5328 standard. These are made to break down in water, reducing clog risks.
Using toilet paper is another good choice. It dissolves quickly in water. For extra moisture, use a spray bottle with water on the toilet paper first.
The Importance of Reading Labels
Always check the labels on wipes. Make sure they’re safe for flushing and meet the AS/NZS 5328 standard. If unsure, it’s safer to throw them in the bin.
Even if a wipe is labelled as flushable, it might not dissolve as fast as toilet paper. This can cause clogs and problems for wastewater treatment plants.
| Type of Wipe | Flushable? | Proper Disposal Method |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Wet Wipes | No | Bin |
| AS/NZS 5328 Certified Wipes | Yes | Toilet |
| Baby Wipes | No | Bin |
| Makeup Removal Wipes | No | Bin |
If you have plumbing problems, big or small, due to flushing the wrong items, contact us at Andrew Vanny Plumbing. Our team is here to help fix any issues caused by improper disposal.
Conclusion
Non-wovens are made from different fibres bonded together. They create a fabric with varying strength. Most wet wipes are made from plastic non-wovens. These take over 50 years to break down in landfills.
Logic says we can’t flush plastic bags down toilets. The same goes for wet wipes. Yes, some wipes are flushable, but only if they’re certified.
Independent auditors test certified flushable wipes. They check if the wipes meet the required standards. They also look at how the wipes are made and where the materials come from.
These wipes have a logo to show they’re safe to flush. In May 2022, a new standard was introduced in Australia and New Zealand. It’s called AS/NZS 5328 Flushable Products.
This standard is stricter than what’s used in Europe. Europe has its own GD4 standard for flushable wipes. This has helped reduce blocked drains and protect wastewater systems.
Flushable wipes that meet AS/NZS 5238 standards break down quickly and safely. It’s important to note that biodegradable and compostable wipes used for personal hygiene end up in landfills.
On the other hand, flushable wipes that meet the new Australia/New Zealand standard can divert waste away from landfills. This is good news for plumbers and the environment.
By choosing certified flushable wipes, you can protect your plumbing and the environment. If you have any queries about your plumbing, call Andrew Vanny Plumbing. We are qualified and ready to help with any plumbing issue you may have or just give you some advice; we have more than 35 years of helping our customers and a great emergency service available if you have an issue with your drainage. Plus, we have the tools to help with any plumbing issue.
FAQ
Are flushable wipes really safe to flush?
Not all wipes called “flushable” are safe. Regular wipes, like baby and sanitary ones, don’t break down well. Look for certified wipes that meet the AS/NZS 5328 standard for safety.
What happens if I flush non-flushable wipes?
Flushing the wrong wipes can cause big problems. They can clog your pipes and block drains. This can lead to expensive fixes and harm the environment.
How can I tell if a wipe is truly flushable?
Check for the AS/NZS 5328 logo on the packaging. This means the wipes are safe for your plumbing. Just because a wipe says “flushable” doesn’t mean it’s okay for your pipes.
What should I do if I experience a blocked drain due to flushing non-flushable wipes?
If you have a blocked drain, call Andrew Vanny Plumbing. Our team is ready to fix any plumbing issue. We’ll work fast to avoid more damage.
What’s the best way to dispose of used wipes?
The best way is to throw them in the bin. Use certified flushable wipes if you must flush. Always check the labels to use products right. If unsure, bin it to be safe.
Photo by Markus Spiske via Pexels
