If you have a baby, you probably go through a lot of baby wipes. You may have wondered if you can flush baby wipes. Most baby wipes are not flushable and should not be put down the toilet. Some brands may be marketed as flushable, but this does not mean they will break down in sewage systems. Baby wipes can cause clogs in plumbing and should be disposed of in the trash.
Why can’t you wipe baby wipes down your toilet?
When you flush the toilet, the water rushes through the pipes and carries the waste with it. Baby wipes do not break down as toilet paper does and they can get caught on pipes and cause clogs.
If enough baby wipes are flushed, they can cause a blockage in a sewage pipe that serves an entire neighbourhood.
Baby wipe clog up can cause serious issues in the wastewater treatment plants. The ‘fatbergs’ in the sewer pipes are caused wipes (baby wipes, makeup wipes and other types of wet wipe) flushed down the toilet, they form together with other debris and waste and basically cause a huge blockage. All of these wipes are non biodegradable
Plumbing systems especially septic tanks just cannot dissolves baby wipes and they just clog your whole plumbing system. Plumbing repairs from the plumbing issues from a wipes down the toilet can be astronomical.
What should you do with your baby wipes?
Since baby wipes are not flushable, you should dispose of them in the trash.
There are special waste receptacles made for disposable wipes or you can put them in a plastic bag and tie it shut before throwing them away.
It is important to keep baby wipes out of the toilet to prevent plumbing problems. By following these simple steps, you can help keep your pipes clear and your baby happy! Remember, even though the pack of wipes may say you can flush baby wipes, it’s usually best not to. Wet wipes are often made from plastic and flushing baby wipes will clog the pipes.
If you have a septic tank, then the baby wipe clogs the whole system. Flushing wipes do not dissolve baby wipes, and even flushable wipes will cause issues in your system. A septic system and sewer pipes (especially older pipes), were not made with wipes in mind. Toilet paper breaks down in the sewage system, even in the toilet bowl, but most wet wipes unlike toilet paper do not dissolve and instead the toilet clogs!
Does Bleach Dissolve Baby Wipes?
Many people believe that bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can dissolve just about anything. However, this is not always the case. While bleach may be effective at removing some stains and debris, it is not always successful at dissolving baby wipes.
There are a few reasons why this may be the case. First, baby wipes are typically made from a plastic material, which means that they are not as susceptible to the harsh chemicals present in bleach. Additionally, the fabric used in baby wipes is typically treated with a waterproofing agent, which also makes them resistant to bleach.
Will baby wipes clog the toilet?
The answer to this question is, unfortunately, yes. Baby wipes are often made of a material that is not easily flushed, and thus can cause clogs in toilets. If you find yourself with a clogged toilet after using baby wipes, the best course of action is to call a professional plumber.
Plumbing experts report that one of the main reasons people end up with clogged toilets is because they flush objects that really shouldn’t be flushed. For example, paper towels, sanitary pads, and of course, baby wipes.
When it comes to flushing objects down the toilet, if it’s not poop or pee, then you shouldn’t flush it. This rule applies to both baby wipes and adult wipes. If you’re not sure whether or not an object is safe to flush, then don’t flush it! Instead, throw it in the trash can.
Why are baby wipes bad for septic systems?
There are a few reasons why baby wipes can be bad for septic systems. First, they are often made with synthetic materials that do not break down easily. This means that they can clog the system and cause problems. Additionally, baby wipes often contain chemicals that can be harmful to the bacteria in the septic system that help tobreak down waste.
When these chemicals are present in large quantities, they can kill the bacteria and cause the system to fail. Finally, baby wipes can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can also lead to system failure. For all of these reasons, it is important to avoid using baby wipes in septic systems whenever possible. No wipes are septic safe so avoid flushing anything other that toilet paper to make sure you don’t mess up the good bacteria in your sewer system.
Material used in baby wipe production
There are a few different types of material that can be used in baby wipe production. The most common is a mix of polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This combination creates a soft, yet durable wipe but essentially is plastic which never breaks down. Other materials that can be used include natural fibers like bamboo or cotton, as well as cellulose-based materials.
One of the benefits of using bamboo or cotton is that they are both biodegradable. This means that they can be composted and will break down within a few months. Cellulose-based materials are also biodegradable, but they take a little longer to decompose. All of these materials are safe for use on baby’s skin.
Any wipes made from PET will cause huge issues in the sewer pipe and at sanitation plants. Thing of your toilet clogged x 1000 when it comes to fatbergs! The biggest recorded was 82m long!
How to properly dispose of baby wipes?
When it comes to proper baby wipe disposal, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. For starters, never flush wipes down the toilet ! This can cause major plumbing problems and will also contaminate our waterways. Instead, you can place them in a trash can with a lid or in a baggie. If you’re composting, you can also compost your used wipes if they are made from bamboo or cellulose.
Another thing to keep in mind is that baby wipes are not biodegradable, so they will sit in a landfill for years to come. If possible, try to find a way to recycle them. Many companies are now making wipes that are recyclable, so be on the lookout for those.
The best option is to use reusable baby wipes. These are made from natural materials like cotton and can be washed and reused multiple times. Not only are they better for the environment, but they’re also better for your baby’s skin!
Conclusion: Baby wipes are not flushable
Your sewer system or septic tank is not designed for any baby wipes or other wet wipes. The only things which are safe to flush down your drain is human waste and toilet paper! Your sewer system or septic tank is not designed for any baby wipes or other wet wipes. The only things which are safe to flush down your drain are human waste and toilet paper! All other wipes, even “flushable” ones, will cause problems in you.
This article was written by: Gian MIller – Full-Time Writer, Baby Whisperer & Dad of 3.
Gian spends a lot of his time writing. A self-proclaimed baby whisperer, Gian has been through it all with his own children and is passionate about sharing his hard-won wisdom with other parents. When he’s not writing or changing diapers, you can find him playing the guitar or watching baseball (or preferably both at the same time).
