Wet wipes are a nightmare for your plumbing and the environment, so let’s look at the reasons you should never flush them down the toilet.
Why wet wipes are problematic
The main issue with wet wipes is that they can’t break down in the same way as toilet paper. Toilet paper is designed to dissolve quickly when it is exposed to water, but wet wipes – even those labelled ‘flushable’ – do not degrade in the same way. Instead, wet wipes remain intact and can cause blockages in your plumbing systems. These blockages can cause backups in toilets, drains, and sewage systems.
The impact on the sewer system
When wet wipes are flushed down toilets, they not only affect your home’s plumbing but also impact the public sewer system. In many cases, wet wipes combine with grease and hair to form massive clumps in the pipes that obstruct the sewage flow, leading to larger blockages and potentially overflows.
If you have been flushing wet wipes down your drains, it may be time to consider a CCTV drain survey Leicester. A drainage specialist such as https://wWw.wilkinson-env.co.uk/drainage-services-cctv-surveys-midlands/cctv-drain-surveys/leicester will be able to identify any issues.
Environmental concerns
Wet wipes are also terrible for the environment. They are made from synthetic fibres and don’t degrade or break down easily when they enter the sewage system. This means they often end up in landfills or waterways, where they can take years to disintegrate. In water, they can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and pollute the environment.
Many wet wipes contain plastic fibres, which means they are contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution. These fibres end up in oceans and rivers, where they are consumed by wildlife or break down into microplastics. These microplastics can enter the food chain, which can have harmful effects on animals and, ultimately, us.
What to do with wet wipes
To avoid plumbing issues and environmental harm, always throw wet wipes in the bin. Consider switching to biodegradable wipes as an eco-friendlier alternative. Regardless of the type, never flush them down the toilet.
