Because these wipes do not break down efficiently as they flow through toilet drains, they can cause clogs. If there are other clogging agents present, such as paper towels, tissues, and hair that create a clog-inducing “net,” the blockage becomes even more severe and can result in plumbing problems such as backups. A plumbing backup is more than an odorous mess, since it exposures you and your family to toxic fumes and sewage containing bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella that cause gastrointestinal illnesses.
Even if flushable wipes do make it through your plumbing system, they cause problems with sewer lines. These wipes contribute to massive sewer clogs known as fatbergs, or fat, grease, and oil masses featuring non-biodegradable products. Fatbergs can cause street-wide sewer clogs and take weeks to fully remove.
Wet wipes also pose problems for septic systems. If they enter a septic tank, they do not break down quickly and cause the tank to clog prematurely. A tank overloaded with waste and non-biodegradable products can crack and leach sewage into the soil. A clogged tank can also cause plumbing backups and sewage exposure.
