Flushable Wipes Clogging US Sewer Systems

Bathroom wipes are becoming increasingly popular.  These pre-moistened towelettes are often advertised as flushable, meaning they are safe to dispose of in your toilet.  Recently these bathroom wipes are being blamed for creating clogs and backups in the nation's sewer systems.

Many of these wipes, even the ones labeled flushable, are going down the toilet but not breaking down quickly.  This is costing some municipalities millions of dollars to hire crews to unclog the pipes and pumps and even replace and upgrade machinery.  Manufacturers insist wipes labeled flushable aren't the problem, blaming it instead on things like paper towels, feminine hygiene products and baby wipes clearly marked as non-flushable.  The Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry recently specified seven tests for manufacturers to use to determine which wipes to call flushable.  For more information on how these bathroom products are affecting our sewer systems please visit http://goo.gl/P0lMEL.

Be sure to carefully check the label of any bathroom products you intend to dispose of in your toilet.  If you experience any problems with your plumbing call NY Plumbing and Sewer Rooter at
516-874-7937.