Have you heard? Flushable wipes are marketed as a convenient and sanitary alternative to toilet paper but can cause major plumbing problems. Listen, despite their label, these wipes don’t break down easily in a sewage system. Along with baby wipes, wet wipes, and makeup wipes, they lead to clogged toilets and more severe issues in your home’s plumbing system. Learn what to do if your toilet is clogged with wipes and when to call a professional plumber for assistance.
A toilet clogged with wipes can quickly escalate into a wide range of problems, from minor inconveniences to extensive repairs.
If you’ve flushed wipes down the toilet and now face a nasty clog, you’re not alone—this is a common issue for many homeowners.
Understanding the Problem with Flushable Wipes
Flushable wipes have become increasingly popular for their convenience and personal hygiene benefits. However, there’s a common misconception that these wipes break down as easily as toilet paper in a sewer system.
In reality, flushable wipes can cause significant clogs in your home’s plumbing system. And those issues can cause serious damage and potentially extensive repairs.
The reason is simple:
Unlike toilet paper, which quickly dissolves in water, flushable wipes contain non-degradable fibers that remain intact as they travel through your plumbing and sewer line.
This can lead to a major clog in your toilet or elsewhere in the drainage system. And that can cause major sewer backups and other plumbing issues.
The problem with disposable wipes isn’t just limited to your toilet. Wastewater treatment plants and septic tanks can also be affected by these inappropriate items. This will inevitably lead to costly blockages and requiring additional tax dollars for clean-up.
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies has reported that wipes cause massive clogs in public sewer systems across the United States. Those wipes contribute to environmental concerns and adding strain to municipal sewage systems.
It’s clear that flushable wipes can pose a real threat to both your home’s plumbing and the wider community.
Immediate Steps to Take When Your Toilet is Clogged with Wipes
Have you flushed flushable wipes and ended up with a clogged toilet? If so, it’s essential to act quickly to avoid further plumbing problems. Here’s a list of immediate steps to take when dealing with a toilet clogged with wipes:
Try a plunger:
The first thing you should do when encountering a clogged toilet is to use a good plunger. A good plunger can often clear minor clogs caused by flushable wipes. Ensure you create a tight seal around the toilet bowl for the best results.
Use a toilet snake:
If plunging doesn’t work, a toilet snake or auger can help break up stubborn clogs. Insert the snake into the toilet and rotate it to clear out the blockages. Be careful not to damage the toilet bowl or other parts of your plumbing system.
Avoid using harsh chemicals:
Some drain cleaners contain strong chemicals that can damage your pipes and aren’t effective against wipes. Instead, stick to mechanical methods like plunging or snaking.
Call a professional plumber:
If the clog persists or you’ve tried multiple methods without success, it’s time to call a professional plumber. A professional has the tools and expertise to handle significant clogs and can prevent further damage to your plumbing system.
In some cases, flushing flushable wipes can cause sewer backups or other serious issues. If you experience frequent clogs or notice sewage spills around your home, seek immediate assistance from a plumbing company like Complete Plumbing and Drain. They offer emergency plumbing services and can quickly respond to any plumbing emergencies.
How to Prevent Future Clogs from Flushable Wipes
Preventing clogs from flushable wipes and regular wipes starts with understanding that these wipes don’t dissolve like toilet paper in your plumbing system.
Here are some tips on how to prevent future clogs caused by flushable wipes:
Don’t flush wipes:
Despite the name, flushable wipes should not be flushed down the toilet. The only things that should go in your toilet are human waste and toilet paper. Everything else, including wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products, should be disposed of in the trash.
Use a trash bin for disposal:
To ensure proper disposal, place a small bin in your bathroom to dispose of wipes and other non-flushable materials. This will help keep inappropriate items out of your plumbing system and reduce the risk of sewer blockages and septic system problems.
Choose alternative products:
If you need wipes for personal hygiene, consider using biodegradable wipes that are designed to break down more quickly. While they still shouldn’t be flushed, they are a better option for the environment and your plumbing.
Educate your family and guests:
Make sure everyone in your household understands the importance of not flushing wipes, paper towels, or other inappropriate items. Posting a friendly reminder in the bathroom can help prevent accidental clogs and protect your entire plumbing system.
By following these tips, you can help prevent major clogs and the need for frequent toilet repair or drain cleaning. If you’re dealing with a stubborn clogged toilet or suspect damage from flushing wipes, it’s best to call a professional plumber.
Complete Plumbing and Drain can inspect your plumbing system and provide the best solutions to prevent future clogs. They have decades of experience and a team of expert plumbers who can address a wide range of problems.
When to Call Complete Plumbing for Drain Help
While you can often address minor toilet clogs with a plunger or toilet snake, some plumbing problems require professional expertise. Here are some scenarios where you should call Complete Plumbing and Drain for help:
Persistent Clogs:
If you experience frequent clogs or have to repeatedly use a plunger, there might be a deeper issue with your plumbing system. A professional plumber can diagnose the root cause and suggest the best solution to avoid further problems.
Sewer Backups:
If you notice sewage backing up into your toilet, sinks, or shower, it’s a sign of a severe problem with your sewer system. This can lead to serious damage and health risks. Complete Plumbing and Drain has the expertise to handle sewer blockages and prevent additional issues.
Burst Pipes or Water Leaks:
If you detect leaks or hear water running without any apparent source, it’s crucial to call a professional plumber. Water leaks can cause significant damage and require extensive repairs if not addressed quickly. Complete Plumbing and Drain offers rapid response to minimize damage and ensure your plumbing is in good shape.
Toilet Repair and Installation:
When your toilet requires extensive repairs or needs replacement, hiring a reliable plumbing company is the best course of action. Complete Plumbing and Drain has decades of experience with toilet repair, ensuring the job is done right.
Hiring a professional plumbing company like Complete Plumbing and Drain provides peace of mind. They offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services, so you don’t have to wait until regular business hours to get help.
Their team of expert plumbers has the tools and knowledge to handle a wide range of problems, from drain cleaning to sewer repairs.
Is your home located in Tampa, Lakeland, Brandon, or surrounding areas? Then you should call Complete Plumbing and Drain for reliable service and professional plumbing solutions.
FAQ’s
1| Why do wipes clog toilets?
Wipes clog toilets because they do not dissolve or break down like toilet paper. While toilet paper disintegrates quickly in water, wipes contain non-degradable fibers or synthetic materials that remain intact.
This makes them prone to getting stuck in the bends and turns of plumbing systems, leading to blockages. When flushed, wipes can accumulate in the pipes, creating a mass that eventually causes a clog in the toilet or further down the sewer line.
2| What dissolves wipes in the toilet?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a reliable method to dissolve wipes in the toilet. Wipes are designed to be durable, which is why they don’t break down in water.
Using chemical drain cleaners to dissolve wipes is not a recommendation any plumber would make. Those harsh products can damage pipes and are typically ineffective against non-flushable materials.
The best way to remove a clog caused by wipes is through mechanical means, such as using a plunger or a toilet snake. If the clog is severe, it’s best to call a professional plumber for assistance.
3| How long does it take for wipes to clog a toilet?
The time it takes for wipes to clog a toilet varies depending on several factors, including the quantity of wipes flushed, the condition of the plumbing system, and the presence of other debris in the pipes.
In some cases, a single wipe can cause an immediate clog, especially if it gets stuck in a bend or narrow section of the plumbing system. In other instances, repeated flushing of wipes can lead to gradual accumulation, resulting in a clog over time.
Regular flushing of wipes can cause major plumbing problems and even damage the sewage system, leading to costly repairs.
4| What happens if you accidentally flush a wipe down the toilet?
If you accidentally flush a wipe down the toilet, it might not cause an immediate problem. However, there’s a risk that it could get stuck in the pipes, leading to a clog over time. If you realize that a wipe has been flushed, try to flush the toilet with a larger volume of water to help push it through.
If you notice that the toilet starts to drain slowly or makes gurgling noises, it’s best to take action immediately to avoid a complete blockage. Using a plunger or toilet snake can help clear the potential clog. If the problem persists, call a professional plumber to prevent further damage to your plumbing system.
Need Help with a Toilet Clogged with Wipes? Call Complete Plumbing and Drain!
If you have a toiled clog from wipes, it’s crucial to act quickly to avoid further plumbing problems. Remember to try simple methods like plunging and toilet snakes. But if these don’t work, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
Major clogs, sewer backups, and persistent toilet issues require expert attention to prevent serious damage. Complete Plumbing and Drain offers 24-hour emergency plumbing services and can respond rapidly to solve your plumbing issues.
From drain cleaning to sewer repair, Complete Plumbing and Drain has the tools and expertise to fix your clogged toilet and address any related problems. ?