Even flushable wipes will cause a clog before too long. These wipes don’t break down which means they get stuck in pipes and cause problems. If you’ve flushed a wipe and now it has caused a block in the toilet, the best thing to do is get the wipes out of the system. Removing them is much better than trying to get them to flush further into the plumbing system.
Need to unclog toilet clogged with flushable wipes? Use a plunger or an auger, these are the best tools for dealing with plumbing problems and they are ideal for clogs. Flushable wipes are not good for toilets or plumbing systems so avoid future issues by throwing them in the trash.
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How To Unclog Toilet Clogged With Baby Wipes
The best thing to do is to retrieve the baby wipes from the toilet and throw them in the trash. There are a few ways to handle this situation so work your way through them until the clog is gone.
1. Use Your Hand
If the baby wipes are still visible and haven’t yet had a chance to go down into the pipes, reach in and remove them. It sounds unpleasant but if the baby wipes are still in view then you are lucky to have the chance to stop them now.
Step 1. Put On Cleaning Gloves
Firstly, protect your hands by putting on some long-sleeved cleaning gloves. The gloves offer a layer of protection and will make this process easier. You may want to kneel down next to the toilet or position yourself in a comfortable way over the toilet so you can lean in. You need to put your hand as far into the toilet as you can for this to be effective.
Step 2. Reach Into the Toilet
If the wipes haven’t gone too far then you should be able to reach them easily using your hands. Put your hand into the toilet and reach as far as you can. See if you can feel the wipes with your fingers.
Step 3. Pull the Clog Out
If you can feel or see the clog, grip it and pull it out. Try to get a strong grip on the wipes before you start to pull it. As you pull the wipes the water from the toilet will start rushing down into the pipes. Don’t let the wipes go or they will cause another clog further in the system. Remove the clog and dispose of it in the trash.
2. Use A Plunger
A plunger should be your first point of call when you have a clog that you can’t see. A clog caused by baby wipes is usually quite stiff so prepare for a few attempts at this. The plunger is the original tool against such problems so if you use it right you should see results.
Step 1. Position the Plunger
Press the plunger against the hole of the toilet bowl. Make sure this creates a complete seal.
Step 2. Plunge
Use both hands to plunge 3-4 times quickly. Don’t wait in between plunges, you want to do this quickly and forcefully.
Step 3. Ensure the Plunger Still Has a Complete Seal
After a few plunges you may need to reposition the plunger to create the seal again. Once you have it back in the right position, plunge again a few more times.
Step 4. Take the Plunger Away
After several plunges, remove the plunger from the toilet. If the plunger has successfully removed the clog then you will hear the water going through the pipes. If nothing has changed, try another method to remove the clog. Always wash and dry the tools you have used before putting them back in the cleaning cupboard.
3. Use A Toilet Snake
A toilet snake (or toilet auger as they are actually called) is a tool that reaches into the toilet and grabs the obstruction so you can pull it out. This is one of the best tools to use as it reaches into the pipes past the toilet bends.
Step 1. Put the Auger Into the Toilet
Firstly, you need to slowly feed the coil of the toilet snake into the toilet. The auger will go through the hole of the toilet bowl and continue through the pipes. The angle you are feeding the tool into the system may change as the coil meets the bends and turns of the toilet system.
Step 2. Continue Until You Reach the Clog
Continue to move the auger through the system until it reaches the clog. When this happens, you will feel that you can’t push it any further.
Step 3. Turn the Coil
Once you feel the clog, twist the coil so it rotates and snags the clog. After a couple of twists the auger will snag the baby wipes on the wire coil.
Step 4. Slowly Pull the Auger Back Through the Toilet
Now that you have the clog on the auger, pull it back out of the toilet. Pull slowly until the auger is out of the toilet. The baby wipes should be on the end.
Step 5. Dispose of the Wipes
Take the baby wipes and throw them in the trash. If the toilet is still blocked, repeat the process to retrieve all remaining wipes. Once complete, the water level of the toilet will drop indicating the clog has gone. Once finished with the auger, wash and dry it before storing it for use with future plumbing issues.
4. Contact A Plumber
If you have tried each of the removal methods above and the toilet is still clogged then the best thing to do is contact a plumber. The clog may be very stubborn or too far in the pipe system for you to reach without the use of professional tools.
How To Dissolve Baby Wipes in Septic Tank
Unfortunately, there is no way to dissolve baby wipes in a septic tank. Baby wipes do not dissolve; they are durable and long lasting. Therefore, it will take these wipes a very long time to break down in your septic system.
The best way to deal with the baby wipes is to contact a plumber to remove them. After removal of the wipes, never flush baby wipes as they will damage the system and cause clogs. Even if the wipes have a label stating they are flushable, they are not designed with your septic system or plumbing in mind and will still cause issues.
4 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Flush Baby Wipes
Even baby wipes that have a “flushable” label should not go in the toilet. Trust us, the convenience of flushing a baby wipe is immediately cancelled out by the consequences. Even if the baby wipe doesn’t cause an immediate problem, there’s a good chance that it will cause a problem later down the line.
Highly Durable
Baby wipes don’t break down quickly so they won’t dissolve in water easily. These wipes resist breaking down when they come into contact with moisture. Baby wipes are completely different to toilet paper – which breaks down when it comes into contact with water. As wipes don’t dissolve in this way they are more likely to get stuck in the pipes and cause clogs.
They Are Prone To Causing Clogs
Baby wipes are a common culprit of clogs. Many people think they can flush these wipes but they don’t break down like toilet paper does so will clog the system. These wipes are particularly hazardous with septic systems.
Synthetic Materials
Some wipes are synthetic and use polyester or plastic. These materials are not safe for sewers or septic systems and are not good for the environment.
They Contain Chemicals
Baby wipes contain chemicals that kill bacteria. The chemicals kill both good and bad bacteria which can damage septic tank systems. Septic tanks use good bacteria, the chemicals in the baby wipes kill this good bacteria which causes damage and issues with the system.
FAQs
Have questions? We have the answers below.
Will one baby wipe clog toilet?
There is a risk of one baby wipe clogging the toilet. Even if it does not clog the toilet immediately it won’t break down and can cause (or contribute to) clogs in the future.
Can you use rid x to unclog a toilet?
No, rid-x is a treatment designed for septic tanks. This helps to break down organic waste in the septic tank and will not help to unclog a toilet.
Is there any difference between baby wipes and flushable wipes?
No, there is very little difference between these wipes. Baby wipes may be gentler in terms of the scent/chemicals used as they are for babies but in terms of the product itself, the two wipes are basically the same.
Summary
Baby wipes are a huge problem for toilets and plumbing systems. To avoid future issues, dispose of wipes in the trash, not in the toilet. You may be able to fix a clogged toilet yourself but if the clog is unreachable then you may need to call a plumber.
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