Old Pipes? No Wipes!

A common misconception is that flushable wipes are, well, flushable. And in historic homes with old pipes, flushing the unflushable can come back to haunt you. But what if you are looking for toilet paper alternatives like wet wipes for adults that give you a true deep clean and provide comfort for health issues like hemorrhoid symptoms or anal fissures?

The Myth of the "Flushable Wipe"

Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to break down in water, most wipes are made from synthetic fibers that don’t disintegrate easily. Instead of breaking down, they clump together and create blockages.

A study by Ryerson University in Ontario found that of 23 wipes advertised as flushable, exactly zero disintegrated enough to pass through the sewer system without causing clogs or damage to the infrastructure. So while the common wet wipe may in fact be “flushable” in that it does go down the toilet when you flush, it is not actually safe for plumbing systems or the environment.

A Vintage Plumbing Nightmare

If you live in a house or apartment with older pipes, the risk of clogs increases dramatically. Vintage plumbing systems typically have narrower pipes and more bends, making stubborn blockages more likely. While a flushable wipe sounds like a convenient way to achieve a clean bum, it might actually lead to clogs and backups that can be challenging and expensive to clear.

Overflowing Consequences

The impact doesn’t stop at your property line. Clogged pipes can also have detrimental effects on the environment. When wipes clog sewer systems, they can lead to overflows, which may release untreated sewage into waterways. This pollution can harm aquatic life and contaminate drinking water.

Wipe Without Worry with Fresh Peaches Toilet Paper Gel

We all know a wet wipe is better at accomplishing a deep clean than a dry piece of toilet paper. We also know no one wants to see a garbage can overflowing with used wipes every time they go to the bathroom. That’s why we created a gel that can easily be applied to any toilet paper to turn it into a truly flushable cleansing wipe on the spot. Made with all natural, biodegradable ingredients, Fresh Peaches is safe for your seat and your sewer, old pipes and all.

FAQ

What can I use instead of baby wipes to avoid clogged toilet pipes?

If you’re not interested in using reusable washcloths to prevent waste (and let’s face it, who is?), might we suggest Fresh Peaches toilet paper gel? We haven’t had luck finding alternatives to baby wipes that are actually flushable or more eco-conscious. That’s why we made Fresh Peaches to help keep wipes out of landfills without sacrificing that fresh clean feeling.

What hygiene products should I use to treat hemorrhoids symptoms that won’t clog pipes?

Medicated wipes designed for hemorrhoid relief often contain witch hazel or hydrocortisone to reduce inflammation, itching, and discomfort. Some people look for unscented baby wipes to treat hemorrhoid symptoms. However, none of those options, even if advertised as flushable, are truly septic safe. Fresh Peaches has high quality ingredients without any common irritants, and can be flushed safely.

Are flushable wipes really flushable?

Studies done on flushable wipes find that most brands that market themselves as such don’t actually disintegrate in septic systems. Just because a wipe is capable of being flushed down a toilet doesn’t mean it won’t cause clogs or backups.