When you see the word “flushable” on a package, you might assume someone has already checked to make sure it’s safe for your toilet and pipes. Most homeowners take that word at face value…but the reality is much less reassuring.
The word “flushable” only means that the item can physically go down the toilet opening. It does not mean that it will dissolve once it hits the water. It also does not mean it will move smoothly through the long stretch of pipes under your home.
Below, this residential plumbing company in Niles, Illinois is going to explain what happens after you flush these products, and why they can put your home’s plumbing at risk.
Toilet paper is supposed to fall apart when it encounters water. That is how it slides through pipes easily. By the time it reaches deeper parts of the system, it is usually no longer holding its shape.
Flushable wipes are very different. Once the wipe leaves the bowl, it can remain mostly intact as it travels through the pipes.
Pipes are not perfectly smooth inside many homes. Small rough spots and tight bends are common. A strong wipe can catch on these areas instead of flowing through. When water slows down around a bend, the wipe can settle there and stay put.
One stuck wipe may not cause an immediate problem. But what happens when more wipes follow? Hair and grease from daily use start to stick to that first wipe. The buildup grows little by little over time and usually without any signs.
Nothing seems wrong at first. But then drains start to empty more slowly or the toilets may need an extra flush to clear the bowl. A residential plumbing company in Niles, Illinois usually gets the call when the clog has grown so large that water has nowhere left to go and wastewater starts to back up.
After leaving your home, wastewater flows into shared sewer lines. These lines serve many houses at once. Flushable wipes from multiple homes can collect and form large blockages. These masses can slow down entire sewer systems and cause backups that affect whole neighborhoods.
These blockages are not easy to remove. Crews may have to use heavy equipment to break them apart. In some cases, sewer backups can force wastewater back into homes or out onto streets. That creates health risks and expensive cleanup work.
When your toilet keeps backing up or multiple drains are moving slowly, it is a sign of a bigger problem. These problems usually do not fix themselves and ignoring them can allow the blockage to grow and cause more pressure on your pipes.
A plunger can help when the clog is close to the toilet. It works best for simple blockages that have not traveled far. But when the problem is deeper in the line, plunging does very little.
Chemical drain cleaners may seem like an easy answer, but they can also create new problems. Some chemicals are harsh on pipes. And in some cases, they can even push the clog farther down instead of breaking it up.
A good residential plumbing company in Niles, Illinois will have the right tools to find the real issue. They can inspect the line and remove the blockage safely. While doing that, they can also check for damage that you cannot see. This can help them prevent the same problem from recurring.
If you are dealing with slow drains or repeat clogs, flushable wipes could be the cause. These problems can be stressful, especially when they keep coming back. But getting the right help early can save you from major plumbing repairs in the future.
At John J. Cahill Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, we understand how these issues start and how to fix them properly. As the most trusted residential plumbing company in Niles, Illinois, our team can find and fix the source of the problem to restore normal flow and help you avoid future trouble. Contact us anytime for a free estimate.