Flushable wipes? Evidence is mounting against them

You may not want to send wipes through the septic system, university says

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The Michigan State University Extension has lobbed another volley in the battle over products marketed as “flushable wipes.’’ The university warns that a host of products sold as “septic safe’’ may be a septic system’s worst enemy.

The university’s report cited a Michigan health officer who talks about the use of so-called flushable wipes in septic systems:

In Oakland County, Mich., there are over 80,000 septic systems that can potentially be impacted. Oakland County Environmental Health Division manager/health officer Kathy Forzley recently urged residents to think before they flush wipes and other bathroom products which may result in clogged pipes, pumps and the need to replace or upgrade septic systems. This material and others can build up and require pumping and servicing more often.

Read the rest of the report and catch a link to a Consumer Reports test of the disintegration of various brands of wipes in lab testing:

Michigan State report

Let us know if you’ve experienced issues with wipes clogging septic systems you’re servicing. With the increased marketing of trendy bathroom cleansing products, you have to think this will continue to be a hot-button issue for pumpers.



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