Flushable wipes are creating a big issue for Spokane Wastewater workers. Employees said the wipes have started to clog Spokane's wastewater lines.
Spokane, Washington wastewater workers are claiming that so-called 'flushable' wipes used as an alternative to toilet paper are creating major clogs in their wastewater lines.
Flushable wipes are creating a big issue for Spokane Wastewater workers. Employees said the wipes have started to clog water lines in Spokane, Wash.
The wipes are designed as an alternative to toilet paper. The packaging claims the products are "flushable." But local leaders said the wipes do not dissolve like toilet paper.
"They do not break down at all," said wastewater expert Paul Nayes. "They just bind up."
He said the pumps sometimes plug up with these wipes.
"And we'll have to send a crew out sometimes at 2 in the morning to have to unplug one of these pumps to keep the system running correctly," Nyes said.
Nayes said those visits from Spokane crews are not only unplanned, they are also time consuming and expensive for taxpayers.
It is not always the wipes, though. People will often flush things like diapers and Q-tips. Nayes confirmed it has become more of a problem in recent years.
"With the arrival of these flushables, it has become more often. And typically the plugs are much greater," added Nyes.
Wasterwater workers said the same problem exists for people with septic tanks. They suggested throwing wipes in the trash.