Flushable Wipes? Not so Flushable!

Since Bill Howe began his career with a drain machine and a skateboard on the streets of Los Angeles to the Bill Howe Family of Companies you and trust with services in San Diego plumbing, heating & air conditioning and restoration & flood, we have seen just about everything and the majority of our 35 years were spent cleaning drains.

Drain clogs are one of the more common problem plaguing homeowners on a daily basis, and luckily, one of the easier (and more affordable) ones to remedy. But, as we have grown, so have product companies in home and personal hygiene needs.

I’m sure you’ve seen these products lining the shelves of major retailers, make-up removal wipes, wet-wipes, baby wipes, individual cleaning wipes and more making it easy and convenient to clean and freshen on the go. And, in the name of convenience, many companies have worked tirelessly to make these wipes safe for disposal, some even claiming safe for flushing.

And while we don’t claim to know everything, we do feel that when in doubt, don’t flush it is a good motto to have when dealing with wipe cloths. And, it seems we aren’t the only ones. In a recent settlement through the Federal Trade Commission, there is a proposed order that would require the major manufacturer of multiple branded wet wipe products to remove all claims of “flushability” without first being able to substantiate their marketing claims. Jessica Rich, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection made the statement, “If you claim a product is flushable, it needs to flush in the real world, without clogging household plumbing or sewer and septic systems.”

The experts San Diego plumbers at Bill Howe will tell you that even toilet paper can cause minor clogs when overused, depending on the line condition, but it is specifically designed using biodegrable materials that will break down once flushed. The so-called flushable wipes, according to the FTC, includes plastic based materials that did not do what the product claimed: break down, and in the end causes clogs. That is why we recommend flushing with caution, especially thicker brand toilet paper, and never moist towelettes, feminine products and paper towels.

Be careful when packaging claims a product is safe for flushing. And when in doubt? Just throw it in the trash. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Have a clog? Call the San Diego drain experts for 35 years at 1-800-Bill Howe (245-5469). 24/7 emergency service and affordable rates!

Source for this article can be found at https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2015/05/wet-wipe-manufacturer-agrees-substantiate-flushability