A startling image from Australia highlights the critical reason why diaper wipes should never be flushed down the toilet. Diaper wipes are incredibly useful for cleaning various messes, but flushing them can lead to disastrous consequences, as evidenced by the massive blockage they can create in sewage systems. This is precisely why diaper wipe packages clearly state: “do not flush.”
A recent revelation from the Lower Hunter Water Authority in Australia showcased a crane—yes, a crane—lifting a staggering 23-foot, 1,653-pound mound of wipes from a blocked sewer line. And this was only part of the mess; workers had to manually extract an additional 661 pounds of wipes and other debris. These monstrous accumulations, often referred to as “fatbergs,” consist of wet wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other non-flushable materials. Such blockages have been a persistent issue; in 2014, a team in London spent ten days clearing a fatberg the size of a double-decker bus from underground sewer systems.
According to a study by Kimberly-Clark Corporation, around 90% of the materials found in sewage systems in the United States are not meant to be flushed. This raises the question: why do so many people still flush them? Nick Taylor, a representative from Hunter Water, explains that the problem has worsened with the rise of so-called “flushable” wipes, leading many to mistakenly believe that all wipes can be disposed of in this manner. Spoiler alert: most cannot.
Most diaper wipes do not break down when flushed. Instead, they expand and contribute to fatbergs, which can result in sewage backing up into homes and businesses. This situation creates significant challenges for water service providers. Taylor emphasizes that the only proper disposal method for diaper wipes is in the trash can. He advises, “The simple rule to remember is the three Ps—pee, paper, and poo—everything else should be kept out of the sewer.”
While the temptation may be to flush diaper wipes to rid yourself of them, doing so only ensures that sanitation teams will have to deal with the aftermath. If you’ve been in the habit of flushing these wipes, consider this your wake-up call to stop immediately.
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In summary, flushing diaper wipes can cause severe plumbing issues, leading to costly repairs and health hazards. Remember to dispose of them properly in the trash to keep your home and community safe from the dreaded fatbergs.