When it comes to keeping your drains in working order, wet wipes are the sworn enemy of plumbers worldwide.
These so-called “flushable” wipes are the bathroom equivalent of a ticking time bomb, clogging pipes, creating costly blockages, and even unleashing stinky sewage floods.
Instead of breaking down like toilet paper, they clump together in the bowels of your pipes, leaving plumbers to dig through what can only be described as a shitty sewer stew.
These blockages lead to a crap situation for homeowners, too, causing backed-up sewage, property damage, and massive repair bills that you can’t just flush away.
In honour of World Toilet Day, Build-it has unblocked the truth on the real risks of flushing wet wipes down your loo and found some alternative solutions even your plumber will approve of.
Ignore the label
Despite some wet wipes advertising themselves as “flushable”, plumbers are quick to pull the chain on that claim.
They say clients often claim they only ever put “flushable” wipes down the toilet, yet somehow ended up with a blockage anyway.
“Any type of wet wipe should never go down the toilet,” Gold Coast-based Caretech Plumbing and Gas owner Lee told Build-it.
“Those that do are asking for trouble, and the only thing they’ll end up flushing away is their hard-earned money when they need a plumber to fix the blockage.”
Wastewater and drainage service provider Water Corporation backed those claims and stated that wipes labelled “flushable” are anything but.
“Cotton buds, tissues and wet wipes aren’t flushable. These items don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. Don’t even think about putting them anywhere near your loo.”
“Once down the drain, they clump together and cause serious blockages. This can force the waste back up our pipes and flood into homes and gardens.”
“Even some products that are labelled as flushable contribute to massive pipe monsters!”
Wipe away flushing woes
It’s easy to avoid unnecessary blockages by following Build-it’s golden rule when it comes to pulling the chain.
If it isn’t toilet paper, pee, or poo, don’t flush it. Toss wet wipes, tissues, paper towels, and cotton buds into the bin to save yourself and your wallet a world of pain as you attempt to clear a fatberg.
But if you can’t give up that clean, fresh feeling, there are some alternative solutions.
“If you prefer using wet wipes, place a bin next to the toilet so there’s somewhere safe to put them,” Lee advised.
“Or have your plumber install a bidet seat or spray on your toilet instead.”
Meanwhile, if you’re wiping on a budget, keeping a toilet paper gel next to the loo can help transform toilet paper into a wet wipe alternative that’s safe to flush away.
Zymatic Toilet Paper Gel can be applied to your loo roll for a hygienic clean without clogging your pipes.
Specially crafted to boost your cleaning routine while keeping the toilet paper strong, it ensures the TP maintains its integrity, providing a clean, refreshing experience without turning soggy.
At $34.95 per bottle (or $73.99 for a four-pack), it’s a plumber-approved solution that’s earned rave reviews, boasting a 4.9-star rating from over 600 users.
