A Local Plumber in Seattle, WA Warns Against “Flushable” Wipes as an Alternate to Toilet Paper During the Pandemic

Seattle, WA: With the recent pandemic affecting the world, there has been a supply and demand issue with toilet paper. The lack of toilet paper may lead many Americans to resort to other options. Raymark, a local plumber in Seattle, WA is warning about so-called “flushable” wipes. These toiletry products are marketed as “flushable”, just like toilet paper, but they are not. Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water; wipes and paper towels are not.

Know that flushing anything other than human waste or toilet paper down the toilet can result in expensive plumbing and sewer backups. Flushing wipes down the toilet pushes the problem literally downstream as the wipes are pushed from side sewer lines into larger city pipes and caught in city waste treatment plants. Treatment plants are not designed to break down wipes and the system soon becomes overwhelmed with clogs. Maintenance workers must pull wipes out by hand and throw them in the garbage.

Sometimes a visual of the problem, helps to understand it. Seattle Public Utility created videos called “Straight Flush” and “Straight Flush2” to illustrate the issues with wipes and other so-called flushables in the sewer systems.

When using wipes or paper towels in the bathroom, please put used ones in the garbage can and not down the drain. Large cities, from Seattle and Portland to New York City and Honolulu, Hawaii, are initiating public awareness campaigns to help spread the word. Many have initiated the 3 Ps campaign: only Pee, Poop and toilet Paper go down the toilet. No wipes, paper towels, or other cleaning products should be flushed. Raymark Plumbing advises that families discuss the 3Ps in their homes to increase awareness.

Toilet paper may be hard to find but it is important to get in the habit of disposing of “flushable wipes” appropriately. This habit can save thousands in sewer repairs in Seattle, WA and around the country. It can also reduce the costs of public utility departments, which ultimately saves consumers money. “We are all in this together,” says Raymark.

Raymark Plumbing and Sewer in Seattle, WA is locally owned and operated. Their friendly and knowledgeable team is happy to help with any plumbing, drain line, and sewer needs. Give them a call at 206-440-9077 and visit them online at www.raymarkplumbing.com.