Importance of Avoiding Baby Wipes Flushing for Your Plumbing System
You may have been under the impression that flushing baby wipes down the toilet is a practical and hygienic practice. However, this idea is anything but accurate. Although there are no immediate consequences if you have already thrown away baby wipes, the accumulation of these wipes over time can cause significant plumbing problems.
At Bannister Plumbing & Air, we are committed to not only helping our customers with plumbing emergencies, but also offering advice on how to avoid such problems. This article is intended to provide information on how to protect the health and functionality of your plumbing system.
Reasons to Refrain from Flushing Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are designed to last, which helps ensure they are effective for their intended use. However, this durability prevents them from dissolving properly when flushed down the toilet or drain, unlike regular toilet paper which dissolves easily in water.
Even if the packaging of some baby wipes states that they are flushable, it is advisable to systematically throw them away in a designated container. This approach ensures hygienic disposal while maintaining the condition of your plumbing system. To ensure cleanliness, provide a special container for used wipes and diapers and empty it regularly. Also, remember to wash your hands thoroughly after completing baby-related tasks or throwing out trash.
Even flushing a baby wipe down the toilet can lead to clogged pipes in the long run. The resulting sewage backups are not only costly and inconvenient, but also pose a significant threat to the integrity and safety of your residential or commercial property.
Potential Plumbing Complications
It's important to know that flushing baby wipes can have harmful effects on your plumbing system, regardless of its age or strength. Although your toilet can be flushed with just a baby wipe, that doesn't eliminate the possibility of future problems.
The real problems usually arise when a large amount of baby wipes build up in your drains. In such cases, these wipes can cause clogs that cause raw sewage to flow back into your home when you flush the toilet. Additionally, flushing baby wipes can potentially cause a whole host of septic tank malfunctions.
Implications for Larger Plumbing Networks
The impact of flushing baby wipes extends beyond individual households and can have serious consequences for municipal wastewater systems and wastewater treatment plants. These community systems include screens designed to filter out natural debris such as tree branches. However, they are not suitable for collecting baby wipes, which leads to blockages and residues called fatbergs, which are made up of a mixture of wipes, grease and other debris.
Because these strainers and pipes become clogged with baby wipes, municipal officials often have to replace parts of the plumbing infrastructure. This diversion of resources not only puts a strain on taxpayer dollars but also causes a lot of inconvenience.
Contact Bannister Plumbing & Air for Plumbing Emergencies
If you find yourself in a plumbing emergency and preventative measures are no longer an option, please contact Bannister Plumbing & Air for fast and efficient assistance. Our local plumbing company is proud to provide quality plumbing services, including emergency toilet repair and drain cleaning, to property owners in Jacksonville, Tyler, Athens, and Palestine, Texas.
By avoiding throwing away baby wipes and using responsible disposal practices, you can contribute to the longevity and efficiency of your plumbing system while minimizing potential disruption and costs.
