Flushable Wipes - Are They Really Flushable?

Many wipes marketed as flushable don’t actually disintegrate, leading to blockages in homes’ plumbing or sewer pipes. And when they make it to sewage treatment plants, they can clog pumps and cause massive damage to the system.

The industry associations INDA and EDANA have set standards for what qualifies as a truly flushable wipe. Here’s what you should look for when purchasing these products:


Most wipes claim to be "flushable" but do they really break down? The truth is, they don't dissolve as easily as toilet paper, so they clog sewer pipes and septic systems. They also build up in the part of septic tanks where solids collect, meaning they need to be pumped out more frequently. This leads to higher plumbing costs and can even cause a septic system to fail, leaving your home with no wastewater disposal.

We hear from plumbers who often get calls about clogged toilets, backed up sewer lines, and flooded basements, many of which are caused by flushable wipes. These are a convenient product for quick clean ups, but only if you dispose of them correctly! Here's why it's better to use cloth towels for wiping and stick with a regular toilet paper. Also, if you are going to use wipes, make sure that they are made with cotton and not polyester or polymers.
They’re More Absorbent

Wipes are usually made from non-woven fibres – cellulose from wood pulp and, sometimes, man-made polymers. They are spun into a tangled mat and compressed with binders before being impregnated with cleaning chemicals, preservatives and other additives.

Wipers that are advertised as flushable are designed to pass through domestic pipes and sewage systems without clogging, according to industry test guidelines developed by the wipes manufacturers’ associations in Europe (EDANA) and North America (INDA). These voluntary guidelines include tests for disintegration under specific water treatment conditions.

However, these test results are not enough to make a product “flushable”. As the industry association Kimberly-Clark explains, "flushable" means that the wipes will pass through sewerage and septic systems without causing blockages, but this does not guarantee that the products will not contribute to plumbing issues and clogs in other homes or businesses. According to Sydney plumber Darren Clancy, between 40 and 50 percent of his call-outs involve problems caused by flushed wipes that don’t break down.
They’re Biodegradable

Unlike standard wet wipes, which can contain a mix of ingredients from synthetic materials to chemical preservatives, flushable wipes are often made of natural fibres like cellulose from plants. They may also contain additives such as aloe vera or moisturizing lotion.

The problem is, some of these wet wipes can contain synthetic fibres, which don’t degrade and can clog sewer pipes. In fact, studies show that flushable wipes are the number one source of debris causing sewer blockages.

The solution is to only purchase wet wipes that are certified as Fine to Flush by Water UK. This means that they meet strict standards set by the Water Industry Association and EDANA to ensure they won’t clog your toilets or contribute to fatbergs. They’re also compostable, so you can throw them away in your garden heap when they’re no longer needed. Just remember that putting any type of disposable wipe in your compost pile won’t break them down or disintegrate, and can harm the soil.
They’re Cost-Effective

Wet wipes that aren’t flushable clog toilets and create problems for sewage systems. That’s why it’s important to choose the best wet wipes that can be flushed to avoid these issues. You’ll also want to look for wet wipes that do not contain harsh chemicals or drying agents like alcohol.

In addition to causing blockages in your home’s plumbing, wipes that aren’t flushed can end up at sewage treatment plants, where they cause massive clogs and even lead to sewer system backups. This is referred to as a “fatberg,” and it can take days or weeks for crews to clear out these massive clogs.

Wipes that are designed to be flushable are made with a combination of short fibres and biodegradable materials that break down quickly after use. They are also more comfortable to use and clean better than standard dry toilet paper. However, remember that only bodily waste and toilet paper should be flushed to prevent plumbing issues.