Flushable Wipes Clog Pipes, Jam Pumps in Washington State

Sewer agencies across the United States, and most recently in Washington, report that the use of flushable wipes has resulted in clogging pipes and jamming pumps, resulting in damage to sewer systems.

Wastewater treatment officials across the United States report an increased number of problems with municipal sewer systems, such as sewer backups, pump breakdowns, and overflows.

Wet wipes are moist towelettes that are marketed as adult wipes for adult personal hygiene, as well as baby wipes used to clean babies during diaper changing, are allegedly responsible for these new sewer issues.

The wet wipes industry brings in approximately $6 billion each year, and sales have been increasing at a steady rate of about 5 to 6 percent each year since 2007. Flushable wet wipes make up a substantial portion of this industry.

The popularity of flushable wipes is growing rapidly, probably due to their marketed convenience of disposal.

These pre-moistened wipes, which are generally used as baby wipes, are adding additional strain to utilities that have already suffered with non-flushable items that people flush down the drain. Sewer system infrastructure is aging, and items such as baby wipes, dental floss, and paper towels have been flushed for years, wrecking untold damage.

The fact that flushable wipes purport to be flushable versions of pre-moistened wipes does not negate the fact that these products are contributing to sewer system problems, according to utilities agencies. Toilet paper, which is supposed to be the one product meant to be flushed down a drain, is even beginning to cause problems because some brands are creating very thick, soft toilet paper that takes longer to disintegrate.

According to a spokesman for the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, I.J. Hudson, “Just because you can flush it doesn’t mean you should.”

Flushable Wipes Lawsuits

An increasing number of people have begun filing flushable wipes lawsuits against companies, alleging that the products fail to break down adequately as advertised. These flushable wipes lawsuits claim that the products damage plumbing and sewer systems when flushed down toilets.

Though the packaging claims the wipes are flushable, they still cause serious problems for both home plumbing systems, which can create the need for major repair work by the homeowner.

The plaintiffs involved in these flushable wipes lawsuits claim that they would not have purchased the product had they known before purchase that the wipes would or could cause damage to the sewer system when flushed. The very name of the product, “flushable wipes,” indicates that the wipes can be flushed safely and effectively, and the lawsuits allege that the marketing is therefore misleading.

According to the companies that manufacture and market these flushable wipes, their products are as flushable and safe for plumbing as originally promoted. However, customers across the U.S. who have used and flushed these products have reportedly experienced clogged toilets and pipes, as well as backed up septic tanks that cause flooding and other kinds of serious and expensive property damage.

Many customers are choosing to file flushable wipes lawsuits against these companies. If you or someone you know has used these flushable wipes that have damaged your plumbing, you may have reason to file a flushable wipes lawsuit.

Join a Flushable Wipes Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased one of the following flushable wet wipes, you may qualify to join a free class action lawsuit investigation:

• Babyganics® flushable wipes
• Charmin Freshmates
• CVS flushable wipes
• Equate® flushable wipes by Wal-Mart
• Kandoo® flushable wipes by Pampers
• up & up® flushable wipes by Target
• Walgreens flushable wipes
• Other flushable wipe products

Join Now