Are Flushable Wipes Safe for Septic Systems?
It shouldn’t be surprising to hear that not all wet wipes are meant to be flushed. These include baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, lens wipes, and hand wipes. The packaging directions on these wipes make it very clear that they should be thrown in the trash after use, not flushed down the toilet.
However, it may surprise you to learn that not all “flushable” wipes are safe for septic systems. Below, we’ll take a look at why “flushable” doesn’t always mean “septic safe” — and what you should be looking for before flushing anything down the toilet.
Learn More: Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?
To Flush… or Not to Flush?
Often referred to as “moist toilet tissue” or “moist personal wipes,” flushable wipes are designed to be used either as a complement to — or as a substitute for — toilet paper. These wipes are pre-moistened with a cleansing solution that is gentle and soothing on your most sensitive area. However, not all moist toilet tissue brands are made from the same materials — and that is where their flushability comes into question.
Many flushable wipes may be able to decompose enough to flush down the toilet and make their way down the pipes, but are unable to break down quickly, or might not be able to disintegrate at all. Such wipes can contribute to costly clogs in your sewer system.
According to HomeGuide.com, the national average for septic tank cleaning in 2021 ranges from $295 to $610, depending on your area and the size of your septic tank. (In extreme cases, if you keep flushing such wipes and put off cleaning it out long enough, you may be looking at a $10,000 bill to replace your entire septic system.)
So, if you can’t rely on the word “flushable” to be your guide, what should you be looking for?
Learn More: Why Using Moist Toilet Tissue is Healthier than Using Toilet Paper
Septic-Safe Flushability
In order to avoid causing a septic blockage or other type of damage to your plumbing, wipes must be able to break down quickly and completely. Experts agree that the most flushable wipes are made from plant-based fibers because as soon as you flush, they start to break apart so they won’t clog up your septic system. If the flushable wipes are also biodegradable, they also won’t cause problems with your area’s wastewater system or end up as landfill.
Three things to look for on the packaging are:
- Flushable
- Plant-based
- Safe for sewer and septic tanks
Another feature you can look for? Biodegradable.
This seems like a lot to ask from a wet wipe, but the technology to create a product that checks all of these boxes does exist. Nice 'N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes are made with plant-based fibers that are 100% biodegradable [1]. They break apart 5 times faster than the leading toilet paper and can be flushed up to 5 wipes at a time [2].
Don’t Fear the Flush!™
In addition to being impressively durable, these biodegradable flushable wipes contain 3 times more moisturizers for a gentle and soothing clean [3]. Our dermatologist-tested Nice 'N CLEAN® SecureFLUSH™ Technology Flushable Wipes meet everything on your flushable list, so you don’t have to fear the flush!
[1] When disposed of in the toilet
[2] Safe for well-maintained sewer and septic systems. Not recommended for use with basement pump systems.
[3] Compared to original formula
References
- https://septictankpro.com/10-best-flushable-wipes-for-septic-systems/
- https://homeguide.com/costs/septic-tank-pumping-cost
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-03-26/pandemic-wipes-create-sewer-clogging-fatbergs
- https://www.globalhandwashingday.org/best-flushable-wipes-reviews/
- https://www.today.com/series/one-small-thing/are-flushable-wipes-really-flushable-t151945
