Can You Flush Wet Wipes?

Can You Flush Baby Wipes?

Wet wipes, whether baby wipes, makeup wipes, moist wipes, or cleaning wipes, are everyday household items. However, they also contribute to 94% of the sewer blockages in the UK.

While more and more wipes are marketed as "safe to flush," these claims are misleading.

In this article, Lanes Drainage Services UK explains why wet wipes cause so many problems in the drainage system and answers the question: Can you flush wet wipes?

Are wet wipes safe to flush down the toilet?

No, wet wipes are not safe to flush down the toilet.

Despite claims from some manufacturers, not all wipes labelled "flushable" or "biodegradable" break down in the sewer system.

In reality, they can take up to 500 years to decompose.

These stubborn wipes can get caught in pipes and other improperly disposed items, such as cotton swabs, sanitary products, and fat, oil, and grease (FOG). If they don't break down, they can lead to blockages and even damage the system.

This long decomposition time is due to the fact that many wipes contain plastic materials such as polyester, polyethene, polypropylene, cotton, and rayon fibres.

Trust us - our experts spend hours removing these stubborn items from the sewers, often by hand.

The broad impact of the wet wipe problem

A study by Water UK 2017 revealed the extent of the problem caused by wet wipes in UK sewers. In over 50 sewer blockages, most of the material found was non-flushable items, with baby wipes (which are not marketed as flushable) making up 78% by weight. Surface wipes, cosmetic wipes, and feminine hygiene products accounted for around 20%, while flushable products comprised less than 1%.

A separate study by the Marine Conservation Society found that wet wipes littering beaches had increased 400% over the last decade. This growing problem is damaging our health, the environment, and drains.

Wet wipes can be mistaken for food by marine animals, introducing microplastics into the food chain. It's also estimated that 300,000 sewer blockages occur annually in the UK, costing £100 million a year, with wet wipes being a major contributor. These costs could otherwise be spent on reducing bills or improving public services.

Our article on the need for new rules against microplastics explains why we need to remove them from our drains.

Wet wipes damage your drains

Even if you haven’t had a blockage in your home, the cost of dealing with sewer problems is passed on to everyone. Wet wipes may seem harmless, but they add up over time. Flushing a few every day can quickly cause blockages. If your drain becomes blocked, sewage could go back into your toilet or sink, leading to a costly repair.

For example, every year, Thames Water removes 75,000 blockages from their sewers at a cost of £18 million per year.

In our article on our advanced drainage vehicles, learn about the specialist cleaning services we have provided Thames Water through our utilities division.

Disposing of wet wipes properly

Awareness of the problems caused by wet wipes has been increasing, thanks to high-profile events like the removal of the Whitechapel Fatberg and campaigns such as Lanes Drainage Services UK's Fatberg Fighters initiative.

Public pressure has led to some changes: wet wipe manufacturers are being encouraged to label their products with "Do Not Flush" symbols, and the UK government has pledged to eliminate avoidable plastic waste by 2042, which could include banning wet wipes.

While a complete ban may not happen - since a survey by Lanes Drainage Services UK found 59% of Britons oppose it - there’s growing recognition that wet wipes harm our drains, environment, and public health.

Wet wipe alternatives

You can make a difference by choosing alternatives to disposable wet wipes. Here are some ideas:

Flannels: The original wet wipe washcloths are still an excellent option for cleaning and can be washed and reused without harming your drains.

Toilet Paper Spray: Some toilet sprays can turn toilet paper into a flush-safe wet wipe, providing convenience without drain damage.

Sponges: For cleaning, sponges are durable, reusable, and easy to dispose of without clogging drains.

By making sustainable choices and being mindful of your waste, you can help protect your drains and the environment.

Remember: Bin it. Don’t flush it.

Expert support for blockages from Lanes Drainage Services UK

If you’ve already experienced a blockage or are unsure how to handle a drainage issue, contact the experts at Lanes Drainage Services UK.

We provide domestic and commercial drainage services and are here to handle any drainage problems safely and effectively.