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This is what happens after you flush wipes down the toilet

“Flushable wipes” are not flushable, clogging up sewage pipes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It’s no secret that the U.S. has had a difficult time finding toilet paper for weeks on end due to the pandemic.

While many look for alternatives to toilet paper, they may turn to household items like Kleenex or wet wipes, which can wreak havoc on your plumbing.

Gary Gray, President of David Gray Plumbing in Jacksonville, told News4Jax this could cause problems down the line.

“Even the flushable wipes... they say flushable, but we don’t recommend it. Especially more than one per flush,” Gray said.

Gray told News4Jax they have seen an increase in stoppages due to alternative toilet paper.

News4Jax sister station KSAT spoke with San Antonio Water System staff who said “don’t flush them at all.”

“A flushable wipe is an oxymoron. There’s no such thing. Unfortunately manufacturers are able to make the claim,” said SAWS Communications Manager Anne Hayden.

SAWS crews do preventative pipe clearing every day, but again, the only way to fully prevent backups is by throwing those wipes in the trash, KSAT reports.

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About the Authors
Courtney Friedman headshot

Courtney Friedman anchors KSAT’s weekend evening shows and reports during the week. Her ongoing Loving in Fear series confronts Bexar County’s domestic violence epidemic. She joined KSAT in 2014 and is proud to call the SA and South Texas community home. She came to San Antonio from KYTX CBS 19 in Tyler, where she also anchored & reported.

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