Can I use flushable wet wipes?

Unfortunately, even though they state 'flushable', they really aren't. Wet wipes are typically made of plastic resins and synthetic fibres which are non-biodegradable. According to Water UK, 93% of blocked UK sewage pipes are caused by wet wipes! 

While wet wipes can be flushed down the toilet, it’s not until they meet a pump station then they start to cause problems. The nature of wet wipes means they don’t disintegrate or break down in water, ultimately creating blockages in pumps and clogged wastewater pipes. Not only can they cause costly breakdowns and potential flooding, but they also result in harm to our marine life and their ecosystems. 

The pumps we specify in foul water basement applications are powerful vortex pumps capable of handling solids, but unfortunately, NOT wet wipes. They tend to wind their way around the impeller of the pump and slowly cause a blockage, ultimately resulting in a pump that cannot evacuate the water from a pump station.

We do not cover breakdowns or replacement parts under any of our service plans if wet wipes are found to be the cause.

Please find below a handy guide to help you understand what not to flush and to show your pump station some love!