Can You Flush Flushable Wipes in an RV?
If you own an RV, you know that plumbing issues can be a serious headache if not handled correctly. As RV owners continue to modernize and upgrade their vehicles with luxurious amenities, one of the most common questions is “Can I flush wipes in my RV?” It’s important for all RV owners to understand the rules concerning what can and cannot be flushed down your rig’s toilet – especially when it comes to so-called “flushable” wipes. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether or not flushable wipes should be used in RVs, how they affect your septic system and other waste treatment methods, as well as some preventative measures that every responsible owner should take when dealing with these products.
What are flushable wipes and what are they made of?
Flushable wipes are becoming increasingly popular in the bathrooms of homes and businesses across the world. They are usually sold as moist towelettes or washcloths for cleaning purposes, but can be disposed of after use in a standard toilet rather than a trash can. Flushable wipes are usually made from wood pulp or synthetic fibers for strength, though some may be made from cloth-like materials or recyclable paper. They may also contain various skin conditioners such as aloe vera, glycerin or other natural oils which help enhance their cleansing action. Regardless of their material composition, however, they should always be labeled “flushable” so that they will break down properly when flushed and not clog up your drains!
How do you know if a wipe is flushable or not – and why does it matter for RVs specifically?
Everyone has heard of the horror stories about RV sewage tanks being clogged up by flushable wipes, but how do know if a wipe is really flushable or not? It’s important to check that any wipes you flush down the toilet, especially in an RV, state on the packaging that they are safe for septic systems and sewer systems. You need to look for brands that clearly label the product as ‘flushable’ because other otherwise-unsuspecting cleaning wipes can swell upon pressure and create blockages in your pipes. Furthermore, in an RV where it may be impossible to get professionals out to help unblock your system in short order, you should also be careful not to put more strain than necessary on your plumbing system by only flushing approved materials. If you want to keep your RV runs smoothly, make sure you only use flushable wipes and lotion-like substances.
Can you flush regular toilet paper in an RV toilet too, or will that cause problems down the line somewhere else in your plumbing system (or worse)?
Toilet paper is essential for any bathroom, both in an RV or at home. However, not all toilet papers are created equal when it comes to RV toilets. Regular toilet paper can cause problems down the line due to the material not breaking down sufficiently as it passes through plumbing systems. To ensure there is no obstruction of the wastewater flow, it is important to invest in a type of toilet paper that specifically states on the packaging that it can be used with RV toilets. It may cost more than regular toilet paper, but ultimately, it will save you from costly and time-consuming repairs in the long run.
Are there any other “flushables” that people often try to get rid of in their RVs that they really shouldn’t be flushing at all – and what are the consequences if they do?”
RV owners need to be aware of what items are and are not acceptable to flush down the toilet. Any solid waste product should not be flushed because it could cause a clog or other plumbing-related issues. Unfortunately, people continue to make the mistake of flushing items such as baby wipes, paper towels, dental floss, feminine hygiene products and cigarette butts. Not only can these block up a drainpipe, but they can create an uncomfortable smell in the RV and further damage its internal mechanisms. If people make this mistake, they should call in a professional plumber to take care of the issue right away to prevent even worse harm from happening.
Flushable wipes are a popular product for cleaning up messes – but they’re not necessarily safe to flush down an RV toilet. If you want to keep your plumbing system in good working order, it’s important to know the difference between flushable and non-flushable wipes – and how often you should be emptying your waste tanks if you’re using them regularly on the road. Are there any other “flushables” that people often try to get rid of in their RVs that they really shouldn’t be flushing at all? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
