Can Wet Wipes Block Drains?

One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to plumbing is that you can flush wet wipes down the toilet without issues. This assumption proves costly for countless Australians each year, as their pipes become clogged with wet wipes.

Can I Flush Wet Wipes?

The simple truth is that wet wipes block drains. Even wipes labelled as ‘flushable’ can cause major issues and should never be flushed.

Wet wipes are not safely flushable as they are made from materials that do not disintegrate when exposed to water. Toilet paper breaks apart while in the drain system, making it flushable, but this is not the case with wet wipes. Flushing wet wipes is a quick and reliable way to get your drains clogged, resulting in a call to your local plumber.

Tested by Choice

Given the growing popularity of ‘flushable’ wet wipes, more and more drain blockages are being caused by this misconception. Choice tested twelve brands of wet wipes-eleven marketed as flushable-and each of them failed to lose strength or break down in pipes.

Currently, there is no standard for what makes a wet wipe flushable. The label ‘flushable’ is meaningless, and the products are likely to cause significant issues if you continue to flush them.

How Wet Wipes Impact Drains

Because they don’t break down like toilet paper, wet wipes block drains more commonly than any other item. In fact, many wet wipes don’t even make it into the sewer system.

They simply get stuck in your own waste pipes causing all kinds of problems. To keep your drains clear, dispose of wet wipes properly in a rubbish bin.

What Else Can’t Be Flushed?

Unfortunately, many people think of their toilet as another rubbish bin. If you want to avoid a pipe blockage, only flush toilet paper and human waste.

Other common items we find blocking pipes include coffee grounds, bamboo toilet paper, cat waste and litter, paper towels and female hygiene products. Excessive amounts of toilet paper can also cause a blockage.

Have You Already Flushed Wet Wipes?

If you have already flushed wet wipes down the toilet and have a blockage, it is time to get the professionals involved. At Drainpro, we have all the equipment and experience to get your drains clear again.

Give the Drainpro team a call on 1300 303 247 for help with all your plumbing needs. Alternatively, you complete our contact form and we will get back to you soon.