An Emergency Plumber in Vacaville, CA Explains Why You Should Never Flush Disposable Wipes
In recent decades, disposable wipes have become an extremely popular consumer product. People use them for baby diaper changing, to remove makeup and to clean up small messes. While these wipes are supposed to be disposed of in the garbage can, lots of people simply flush used wipes down the toilet. Some disposable wipe brands even claim to be “flushable.” However, despite these claims, it’s never a good idea to flush your disposable wipes down the toilet.
Why shouldn’t you flush wipes?
If you’ve purchased disposable wipes that claim to be flushable, you might be confused about whether it’s safe to flush them or not. In short, the answer is no. While supposedly flushable wipes are easy to flush down your toilet and will fit in your drain pipes, they still accumulate in plumbing and create problems requiring a call to an emergency plumber in Vacaville, CA. Disposable wipes are made from a combination of natural and synthetic fibers, including rayon, cotton, plastic resins, polyethylene and polyester. This non-woven design makes them much more likely to build up in your plumbing system over time.
Lots of people believe that disposable wipes are biodegradable, but this is simply not the case. Disposable wipes are made from many of the same materials as plastic water bottles and plastic grocery bags. Even if these materials will eventually break down, it takes many decades and, in some cases, hundreds of years before they break down completely. Disposable wipes won’t disintegrate naturally when you flush them, and they can stick around in your plumbing system for longer than you might expect.
Another major problem with flushable wipes is the fact that they attract other waste materials in your pipes. If you have deposits of flushable wipes and related residue in your plumbing system, it will attract other liquid and solid wastes, including oils and grease, and create an even bigger problem in your system.
What if you’ve been flushing wipes?
If you are guilty of flushing disposable wipes down your toilet, you might have already noticed signs of plumbing problems. If water in your toilets or sinks is backing up or slow to drain, you should contact an emergency plumber in Vacaville, CA right away. They will be able to assess the issue and clear out obstructions, including deposits of flushable wipes. They can also check to determine whether there is more extensive damage to your plumbing system that you might not be aware of.
Contact an emergency plumber in Vacaville, CA
Whether you need some basic maintenance and care tips for your home’s plumbing or you need service from an emergency plumber in Vacaville, CA, the team at ABC Plumbing is here to help. For nearly 20 years, we’ve been a premier provider of plumbing services to residential, commercial and industrial customers alike. Regardless of the size or scope of the job, we would be happy to assist you. Learn more about everything we have to offer and get started with a service quote by giving us a call today.
Categorised in: Emergency Plumber