Are Flushable Wipes Safe?

The Hidden Plumbing Dangers Knoxville Homeowners Need to Know

Flushable wipes are marketed as clean, convenient, and safe—but in Knoxville, they’ve become a leading cause of plumbing problems. Despite what the packaging says, these so-called “flushable” products often clog pipes, damage sewer lines, and wreak havoc on septic systems.

At The Plumbing Authority, we’ve cleared out countless wipes from local Knoxville drains and sewer lines—especially in older homes with narrower pipes. If you’ve been flushing wipes, here’s what you need to know before you end up with a serious (and expensive) clog, and have to call in a professional for drain cleaning in Knoxville.

The Big Lie: Are Flushable Wipes Really Flushable?

The term “flushable” is a marketing gimmick. Wipes may go down the toilet, but they don’t break down like toilet paper. While toilet paper dissolves in seconds, wipes are designed to stay strong when wet—so they can easily get stuck in your pipes or join forces with grease and debris in the sewer system.

Fact: Multiple studies and city wastewater reports show that flushable wipes don’t disintegrate in water. They contribute to clogs in both private plumbing and public sewer systems.

How Flushable Wipes Damage Your Plumbing

1) Clogs in Your Home’s Pipes

Wipes often snag on pipe joints and bends, especially in older Knoxville homes. This can slow down drains or lead to full blockages.

2) Sewer Line Backups

Over time, wipes accumulate and create massive clogs—sometimes leading to raw sewage backing up into your home. Not only is this a health hazard, it’s an expensive mess.

3) Costly Repairs

The damage isn’t always visible at first. But long-term use of flushable wipes can destroy pipes, stress septic systems, and cause repeated plumbing failures. Repairing this damage can cost hundreds—or even thousands.

Why Knoxville Is Especially at Risk

Knoxville has a mix of aging infrastructure, clay-heavy soil, and heavy seasonal rains. These factors already put stress on plumbing systems. Add in flushable wipes, and it’s a recipe for disaster.

When wipes mix with grease, hair, and other debris, they form fatbergs—giant blockages that sit in your pipes or the public sewer system. Removing them often requires professional equipment and labor-intensive work.

What You Should Do Instead

• Dispose of Wipes Properly: Place used wipes in a trash can instead of flushing them. While it may be tempting, your pipes and plumbing system will thank you for it.
• Use Plumbing-Friendly Alternatives: Consider using biodegradable or septic-safe wipes, but still avoid flushing them. There are many options available that are safer for your plumbing.
• Educate Everyone in Your Home: Make sure everyone in your home understands the risks of flushing wipes. This simple step can prevent a lot of future plumbing headaches.

$93 Drain Clearing Special for Knoxville Homes

Think your drains might be clogged? Let us take care of it.

For just $93, one of our licensed Knoxville plumbers will inspect and clear your drain. If we can’t clear it, you don’t pay. That’s our Fix It for Good™ promise.

Call now or schedule service online!

Call (865) 245-5251

Knoxville Flushable Wipes FAQ

Final Word: Don’t Flush Trouble

Flushable wipes may seem harmless, but they’re one of the most common causes of clogs and sewer backups in Knoxville. If you want to protect your plumbing, avoid the wipes—or at the very least, keep them out of your toilet.

Need help with a drain that’s already slow or backing up? Call The Plumbing Authority today. We’ll fix it for good and help you prevent future problems before they start.

Call (865) 245-5251