Raise your hand if you’ve tossed a “flushable” wet wipe into the toilet and watched it disappear with a satisfying whoosh. Thank you, next.
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: most wet wipes are far from toilet-friendly. These seemingly innocent cloths are responsible for some horrifying plumbing nightmares. (More on that soon.)
So, before you flush another one, find out why wet wipes and plumbing systems simply don’t mix.
How wet wipes wreak havoc on your pipes
From home pipe damage to massive sewer blockages, these convenient wet squares cause mayhem in water systems worldwide.
According to Water UK, wet wipes comprise about 93% of the material that causes sewer blockages. Once flushed, these sturdy cloths accumulate in pipes and create what plumbers lovingly call “wipe balls” — dense clumps of material that grow larger with each flush.
A blockage isn’t the only possible damage. More serious problems are known to occur, such as:
Overflowing toilets
Expensive plumbing repairs
Sewage leakage into your home
Increased water bills from inefficient water flow
If you think that’s bad, consider what happens when these wipes reach municipal sewage systems. It’s a news story that’s far too common.
Authorities in London removed a 40-tonne “fatberg” — a horrifying mass of wet wipes, congealed fat, and other non-flushables.
Wastewater utilities across the United States have their own headaches trying to unclog pumps, unblock screens, and fix busted equipment.
Basically, these wipes are throwing a full-on tantrum in our pipes. To combat this, cities and taxpayers end up shelling out big bucks just to try and keep the flow... well, flowing.
Why don’t wet wipes break down like toilet paper?
Toilet paper begins breaking down almost immediately in water, but wet wipes stay intact through your pipes.
Why? Composition and design.
At their core, wet wipes are non-woven fabrics. Some companies use plant-based materials like wood pulp or cotton, but far too many rely on plastic fibres like polyester and polypropylene – tiny, indestructible bits of plastic. Then, they’re doused in a liquid mix of water, cleansing agents, moisturisers, and preservatives to create a moist toilet tissue.
Even ‘natural’ wipes aren’t innocent.
Companies use something called 'regenerated cellulose,’ similar to wood pulp. It's biodegradable, but still takes a while to break down. The NIH’s National Library of Medicine confirms that even options deemed flushable are hindered by oils, grease and chemical additives before they can disintegrate as promised.
The environmental fallout of flushable wipes
Beyond the plumbing nightmares, wet wipes pose a serious environmental threat.
When our sewage systems get overwhelmed, all that untreated gunk – including those moist culprits – ends up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Marine animals mistake these small pieces of cloth for food, developing intestinal blockages and starvation. Not cool.
Adding to the environmental concerns, research from the University of Stirling in Scotland reveals that sewage-associated plastic waste, such as wet wipes and cotton swabs, harbor harmful bacteria. Specifically, E. coli and intestinal enterococci are able to survive on these plastic items for extended periods, posing a risk to human health if they wash ashore.
And we come full circle when you realise these fibres also end up on your dinner plate in the form of microplastics. Now that’s definitely something you didn't order.
Unpacking the misleading marketing of flushable wet wipes
Here’s the rub: there’s no universal, legally binding standard for what constitutes “flushable.” Some manufacturers develop their testing protocols, but these don’t accurately reflect the real-world conditions of 100-year-old plumbing and sewage systems.
So, exercise caution when you see terms like “dispersible,” “biodegradable” or even “septic-safe” on wet wipe packaging. These claims may mean the product will eventually break down, but not necessarily quickly enough to prevent blockages.
The message from water companies couldn’t be more explicit: only pee, poo or toilet paper is allowed. (Even facial tissue is banned from the pipes!)
Flushing responsibly with Who Gives A Crap
The trusty toilet roll remains the safest option for your plumbing and the environment — especially when you choose eco-friendly options like those from Who Gives A Crap.
Our 100% recycled toilet paper and premium bamboo rolls break down quickly after flushing. No blockages. No questions about flushability. No awkward conversations with your plumber.
If you want to use wet wipes, there’s a simple rule: throw them in the trash, never in the toilet. A small trash bin in the bathroom is commonplace, so it’s only a matter of remembering to trash them afterward.
By choosing Who Gives A Crap, you’re not just being kind to your pipes and the planet. You’re also supporting a company that donates 50% of its profits to help build toilets for those in need worldwide.
Conclusion – Just say no to flushing wet wipes
While scientists are working on making better, more eco-friendly wipes, the bottom line is this: bathroom wipes, even the 'flushable' ones, are a recipe for plumbing and environmental disaster.
The solution is simple. Throw wet wipes in the trash if you do use them. Stick to proper toilet paper for your daily needs, and consider bamboo or recycled TP products for the most environmentally sound purchase.
By making these small changes to your bathroom habits, you'll give your pipes, wallet and the planet a reason to thank you.
Ready to switch to truly flushable, eco-friendly toilet paper that won't wreak havoc on your plumbing? Check out our collection of sustainable bathroom products and join the movement for responsible flushing.