We provide Sewage Damage Cleanup in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
You should not flush wet wipes down the toilet, even if they are labeled as “flushable.” This is because wet wipes are typically made of synthetic materials that do not break down as easily as toilet paper. When wet wipes are flushed, they can clog pipes, sewer systems, and wastewater treatment plants.
While “flushable” wipes may be marketed as safe to flush and septic-safe, it’s generally recommended not to discard them in the toilet for several reasons:
- Clogging and plumbing issues: Unlike toilet paper, flushable wipes are often made from materials that do not break down as easily in water. Even though they may initially flush down the toilet, they can accumulate and combine with other non-disintegrating items like grease, hair, or other debris in the pipes, leading to clogs and blockages. These issues can result in expensive plumbing repairs.
- Sewer system problems: When flushed, flushable wipes can cause problems not only in your home’s plumbing but also in the wider sewer system. They can clog sewer pipes, pumps, and other equipment used to transport wastewater. Municipalities in Connecticut and Massachusetts often spend significant resources on removing these clogs and can be burdened with maintenance costs that are ultimately passed on to taxpayers.
- Environmental impact: Flushable wipes can also have adverse effects on the environment. Although they may disintegrate over time, the process is usually slower than for toilet paper. As a result, they can accumulate in sewer systems, leading to the formation of fatbergs (a rock-like mass of waste matter in the sewer system formed by the combination of flushed non-biodegradable solids, such as wet wipes, fat, oil and grease deposits) that can cause sewage overflows and harm ecosystems when released into rivers and streams or oceans.
- Misleading labeling: The term “flushable” on these wipes can be misleading. While they may technically be flushable in the sense that they can physically be flushed down the toilet, it does not mean they are safe for the plumbing or sewage systems.
To prevent these issues, it’s best to dispose of flushable wipes in the trash instead of flushing them. If you prefer using moist wipes, consider using specifically labeled “biodegradable” or “compostable” wipes, but still dispose of them in the trash to minimize any potential negative impacts.
What to do if you need sewage damage cleanup because of sewage backup in your CT or MA home:
Call us immediately at 413-433-5008 – wastewater backup is an emergency!
You should never attempt to manage the effects of a sewage backup on your own, let the experts at Makeover Restoration Services deal with the situation safely and efficiently. Coming into contact with the bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens found in wastewater can pose a serious threat to your health. We follow strict health and hygiene protocols during every step of the restoration process to protect you and your loved ones. We isolate contaminated rooms and remove affected items from the property for proper cleaning to avoid spreading potentially harmful and dangerous bacteria.
We may need to remove porous materials like cardboard, mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture that came into contact with the wastewater, but we will salvage what we can and dispose of the rest according to Connecticut or Massachusetts guidelines for hazardous waste. Commercial-grade cleaning products, sanitizers, and disinfectants are used to remove all traces of wastewater from your home and we’ll bring in advanced dehumidifiers and air movers to remove every trace of excess moisture to control humidity and reduce the risk of secondary mold damage.
Read more about our sewage damage services.
