They’re marketed as flushable, biodegradable, and safe for your toilet.
But here’s the uncomfortable truth: no wipe is ever truly flushable – and your drains (and the environment) pay the price.
At Drain Solutions Milton Keynes, we’ve cleared countless blockages caused by so-called “flushable” wipes. They may disappear from sight when you flush, but they don’t break down the way toilet paper does. Let’s uncover what really happens once you hit that flush button.
The “Flushable” Myth
Most wet wipes, even those labelled flushable – are made from synthetic fibres like polyester or polypropylene.
Unlike toilet paper, which breaks down in seconds, wipes stay intact for days or even weeks in water.
Fun (and frightening) fact:
Water UK found that over 90% of material in sewer blockages comes from wipes and sanitary items, not toilet paper.
When they reach your pipes, these wipes cling to rough surfaces, catch hair, grease, and debris, and slowly form solid masses known as fatbergs.
What Happens Inside Your Drains
Here’s what we see time and again when investigating blocked drains in Milton Keynes homes:
Wipes snag on minor imperfections inside pipes (like limescale or small cracks).
They start to collect fat, oil, and grease (FOG) from kitchen waste.
The mixture hardens into a dense, sticky lump that restricts water flow.
Eventually, waste and water have nowhere to go – and your drains back up.
By the time you notice slow flushing or bad smells, the blockage could already be metres deep in the pipework.
What “Flushable” Wipes Do to the Environment
When wipes make it past your pipes, they don’t just disappear.
They often end up in sewerage treatment plants, rivers, and coastal waters, causing major pollution.
They don’t biodegrade – they just break into microplastics.
Wildlife mistake them for food, leading to harm or death.
Utility companies spend millions removing them, costs that eventually hit your water bills.
“In 2023 alone, UK water companies cleared over 300,000 sewer blockages, most linked to wipes and grease.”
Signs Your Drains Might Be Suffering from Wipe Damage
If you’ve been flushing wipes (even “flushable” ones), keep an eye out for:
Slow-draining toilets or gurgling sounds after flushing
Rising water levels or overflow in the bowl
Foul smells from drains or manholes
Wet patches or damp soil near external pipes
Recurring blockages despite regular plunging
These are early warnings of build-up or partial blockage, and they’ll only get worse without intervention.
What to Do If You’ve Been Flushing Wipes
Don’t panic, you’re far from alone! Many UK households have learned the hard way that “flushable” doesn’t mean “safe.”
Here’s what to do:
Stop flushing wipes immediately.
Switch to toilet paper only, and bin wipes instead.Book a CCTV drain inspection.
We’ll check your drains internally to see if wipes or grease have built up.Get a professional clean.
A high-pressure water jetting service removes debris safely without damaging pipes.Adopt good habits.
Only the 3 Ps should ever go down your toilet: Pee, Poo, and (toilet) Paper.
How Drain Solutions Milton Keynes Can Help
We’re specialists in unblocking and cleaning drains across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas – fast, safely, and with no call-out charge.
Here’s what we offer:
24/7 emergency response – day or night
CCTV surveys to locate wipes and other build-up
High-pressure jetting to clear blockages
Drain relining and repairs if pipes are damaged
10-year guarantee on major works
Whether your drains are slow, smelly, or completely blocked; we’ll sort it out quickly and affordably.
Call Drain Solutions Milton Keynes on 0779 1970 381
Visit drainagemiltonkeynes.co.uk to book an inspection or get a free quote.
The Takeaway: Bin It, Don’t Flush It
Even if the packaging says “flushable,” it’s safer for your drains and the planet to bin wipes instead.
Every wipe you keep out of your pipes helps prevent:
Expensive home blockages
Sewage overflows
Environmental damage
A little awareness goes a long way, and your plumbing (and wallet) will thank you for it