Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

If it's flushable, it sells!

Regulatory bodies worldwide are trying to solve the dry drains problem. It seems it's not only a lack of water that is preventing proper flush volumes from surging through the drain lines. Many blockages are caused by non-flushable items that many people think are ok to be flushed.

The term 'flushable' certainly is a catchy phrase. Add 'safe' for sewer and septic systems and it makes a very powerful sales pitch.

Evidently the definitions of 'flushable' and 'safe' are subject to interpretation. If a given product can make it through a water closet it's certainly flushable, but does that make it suitable for a sanitary sewer line? If it doesn't explode or cause physical damage to the sewer line or septic system, does it mean the product is safe?

The fact is the only things that should be flushable are toilet paper, urine, and fecal matter.

Over the years The Drainman has removed tons of things that make it through the water closet but never made it through the customer's sewer line. That 'flushable' list includes toys, diapers, socks, underpants, teeth, jewellery and the list goes on.

Until now, tampons have long been the single most reliable sewer stopper. The Drain Man was recently asked to visit with a customer whose sewer was blocked. Our machine removed a number of small cloth-like obstructions. They were tough as nails and hard to remove from the sewer machine cable auger, having been tightly wound and bound. It turns out they were wipes.  The Drainman recommends that such a product should not be flushed.