Flushing Wet Wipes Can Lead To Septic, Sewer Expenses

The packaging may say flushable, but flushing wipes can cause a real problem to a septic tank or sewer system.

Sparta Public Works Director Dillard Quick said the material is not biodegradable and can cause clogging.

“There are so many of those that get clogged up sometimes that it can either burn a pump up or burn a motor up in a pump station,” Quick said. “Same thing with a septic tank, they just sit on top of the water on your septic tank until the lines don’t drain.”

Quick said flushing too many can lead to some expensive projects. Quick said cleaning out a septic tank can cost up to $400. As for the city, sewer pumps cost up to $20,000 and can get damaged from the material build up.

“Once that wipe hits the pump station and gets in the pump itself, the one wipe will start then a next will build on top of it,” Quick said. “The more you throw in the more it builds up.”

Quick said he recommends to throw away wipes instead of regular flushing to avoid drainage issues. Quick said toilet paper does not cause the same impact since it easily deteriorates.

“I think that is the biggest thing that I want to drive home,” Quick said. “Not only is it bad for your pump system, it’s bad for your septic system, as well.”