Every time you flush, you’re making a choice that impacts your home, your community, and the environment. With today being National Toilet Paper Day (August 26th), it’s crucial to remember that only toilet paper should go down the drain. Flushing anything else, like wipes, can lead to costly plumbing problems, environmental damage, and higher utility bills.
Toilet paper is the only paper product engineered to be compatible with the sewer system. Wipes, including those marked as “flushable”, cause significant issues to plumbing and infrastructure.
A 2019 study examined over 100 different kinds of “flushable” wipes, and found that none of these products broke down enough to safely pass through home plumbing and public sewers, without risking clogs or damage.
The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) conservatively estimates that wipes cause about $25 million dollars in damage and maintenance costs each year in Texas alone. These costs can be passed along to the consumer in the form of higher water bills.
In honor of National Toilet Paper Day, do yourself and your plumbing a favor by only flushing toilet paper. Together, we can reduce costs, prevent clogs, and keep our water systems flowing smoothly.