When you flush a wipe labeled as "flushable," it undergoing a series of rigorous tests to ensure it can safely integrate into our plumbing and ecological systems. Here’s a detailed look at the path these wipes take, matched with the tests they must survive in advance to determine whether they are sufficiently “flushable.”
1. Wipe is Flushed (Toilet and Drain Clearance test)
· You use the toilet and flush the wipe. The wipe travels through the toilet bowl and into the plumbing pipes connected to your home's drain system. The Toilet and Drain Clearance test aims to mimic this part of the wipe’s journey.
2. Initial Pipe Movement (Slosh Box Disintegration Test)
· The wipe moves from the toilet’s drain into the small pipes connected to your home’s sewage system. These pipes usually have a slight downward slope to help move waste along with gravity. The Slosh Box Disintegration test evaluates the wipe’s readiness for this part of the journey.
3. Wipe Moves Through Household Plumbing (Household Pump test)
· The wipe travels through the larger plumbing pipes of the house, which lead toward the main sewer line or septic tank. If your house is connected to the public sewer system, the wipe moves toward the local municipal sewer line, where it joins other flushable wipes from your pipes or those of your neighbors. The Household Pump test assesses the wipe’s suitability for navigating the household and municipal plumbing.
4. Wastewater Treatment Plant or Septic Tank (Settling test)
· If your home uses a septic system, the wipe travels into your septic tank, where waste is stored and separated into solids and liquids. However, most septic systems are not designed to handle wipes, and they may cause blockages in the system.
· If your home is connected to a municipal sewer system, the wipe continues through a series of underground sewer pipes to a sewage treatment plant. The Settling Test judges the wipe’s ability to maneuver towards the sewage treatment plant.
5. Wipe Potentially Causes Clogs or Blockages (Municipal Pump Test)
· If the wipe is not caught in screening systems, it may travel through the plant. However, flushable wipes are often made from materials which do not break down easily, potentially causing clogs in pipes, pumps, or other equipment at the treatment plant.
· If the wipes accumulate in treatment plant equipment or sewer pipes, it can create blockages, which might require manual removal, leading to expensive maintenance costs. The Municipal Pump Test considers how a wipe will respond to these circumstances.
6. Environmental Impact (Aerobic/Anaerobic Biodisintegration/Biodegradation Test)
If a significant number of flushable wipes are flushed and manage to bypass the treatment systems, they can end up in rivers, lakes, or oceans, contributing to environmental pollution. These wipes often do not biodegrade quickly, and they can add to the growing issue of plastic pollution in water bodies. The Aerobic/Anaerobic Biodisintegration/Biodegradation Test) examines how the wipe will behave if it is not disintegrated by the sewage treatment plant.
Why It Matters:
Each test is designed to protect both our man-made infrastructure and the natural environment. The attached graphic visually represents these tests, highlighting the importance of products meeting the strict standards labeled as flushable. Let's be mindful of what we flush, considering the broader impact on our planet and community resources. Join the conversation: How are you contributing to sustainability in your daily habits? 💧🌍
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