Quick plumbing fact

“Flushable” wipes are not flushable.

If it isn’t human waste or toilet paper, it belongs in the trash — even if the packaging says otherwise.

What should I do? Why not flush them? Quick at-home test

Bottom line: wipes are designed to stay strong when wet. Toilet paper is designed to fall apart quickly. That difference is what causes clogs.

Why “flushable” wipes cause problems

Wipes don’t break down like toilet paper.

  • They stay intact in water for a long time
  • They snag on bends and joints in pipes
  • They tangle with debris and form blockages

Toilet paper is engineered to disintegrate.

  • Breaks apart quickly with agitation
  • Passes through plumbing more safely
  • Is what sewer systems are designed for

In multi-unit buildings, one person’s wipes can become everyone’s backup. This isn’t about blame — just preventing avoidable plumbing failures.

What to do instead

  • If you use wipes, please put them in the trash (not the toilet).
  • Keep a small lined bathroom bin if you prefer.
  • Never flush: wipes, paper towels, tissues, feminine products, cotton swabs, dental floss.

Quick test you can try at home (30 seconds)

Put one square of toilet paper and one wipe in separate jars of water. Swirl each jar for 15–20 seconds.

That “stays intact” behavior is exactly why wipes can cause clogs downstream.

Share this page: dontflushwipes.org

Tip: This page is printable (Ctrl/Cmd+P). If you manage a building, you can post it as a QR code near restrooms.