Flushable Wipes - Do They Disintegrate?

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Flushable Wipes - Do They Disintegrate?

Рет қаралды 113,152

5 жыл бұрын

www.AsktheBuild... founder, Tim Carter, performs a real test on flushable wipes. Read his column FIRST: www.askthebuil...
Some flushable wipes look perfect when they get to your septic tank or city sewer connection. A simulated bowel movement is also shown in this video. Army men are also subjected to a flush as are Lego toys and underwear.

Пікірлер: 612

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

Only type what you'd want your mom to see. Lewd and crude comments won't see daylight here.

@angebrowne1730 5 жыл бұрын

Ask the Builder Thank you for putting word out. Here in the UK, there has been very little on msm concerning wipes and quilted tissue. We once had a cafe/restaurant. The landlords upstairs tenant had a baby and somehow flushed disposable nappies. No idea how she got them to go around the bends. Maybe she physically pushed them as far as she could. We couldn't close the business and wait for the landlord to come, see and send a plumber so ended up paying three times for the pipe to be unblocked. I think quite a few people really do need it shown to them as you have done here.

@amandam5845 4 жыл бұрын

Can you test more wipes to see if there is one that safe for flushing?

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

@@amandam5845 No I can't. I took down the test apparatus so I could get in and out of the garage with my car and truck. There's NO NEED to test others. Didn't you have the same reaction after watching the video I did? The *flushable* wipes do NOT break down in your sewer line. Why would you ever consider flushing any of them? Just follow my advice at the end of the video. BUY whatever flushable wipe you want, use them on your bum, and put them in some type of garbage container that isn't disgusting so you see the soiled wipes.

@VICTORV1990 4 жыл бұрын

You forgot Equate Flushable wipes

@theultimatereductionist7592 4 жыл бұрын

I wish you had tested tissue paper: tissues that people wipe their noses with.

@SixTwoHemi 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent testing. Here's the difference between lab testing and a real plumber who has worked and does this for years. Great job Mr. Carter!

@wuddadid 4 жыл бұрын

I would argue that the test could be slightly improved. Each 'test paper' should have been allowed to sit in the water for 1 minute before being flushed to simulate reality.

@ReigningWomban 2 жыл бұрын

@@wuddadid do you let toilet paper just sit for a minute before you flush?

@abdullaali1799 5 жыл бұрын

I'm actually watching a dude flushing paper towels over and over again. Fun stuff. 😂

@hellrose18 3 жыл бұрын

@eternal footman chill dude

@jcismybud 3 жыл бұрын

@eternal footman dude? Are you kidding me ?

@montiian4126 3 жыл бұрын

@eternal footman how is it rude

@noulafrantz8589 2 жыл бұрын

😆 🤣 that was funny 😄

@kratos7893 Жыл бұрын

Right, even more fun while on the john watching this 😳 I mean.. recliner... saved it!

@chrisdesiderati3577 5 жыл бұрын

As a wastewater treatment plant employee, I couldn’t be happier to see this message shared as far and wide as possible. Thank you Mr. Carter. Our industry has been fighting these things since they came on the market. When we try to develop guidelines or have “flushable” removed, American manufacturers fight tooth and nail or argue we’re infringing their freedom of speech. It’s a nightmare. Only truly disintegrating wipes come from overseas.

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

You're welcome, Chris. You can HELP share it. Contact your trade association. Perhaps there's a Sewer System trade magazine. Reach out to the editor and tell her/him about the video. Editors are ALWAYS looking for ideas and leads about new content. Call up your local TV news stations and make the consumer reporter aware of this video. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper and reference the title of the video. You speak from a position of AUTHORITY as a wastewater treatment plant employee and the news outlets will listen to you.

@OrdinaryG33K-SF 3 жыл бұрын

Why can't we get truly disintegrating wipes like you say they have overseas, over here?

@JesseWright68 3 жыл бұрын

Another example of how the most important thing in the US is corporations' ability to make money unencumbered by regulations or oversight.

@ChristineSolazzo 3 жыл бұрын

@Chris Desiderati what are they and where can we get them?

@louisemassie 2 жыл бұрын

@@ChristineSolazzo Certainly not in the UK, as "The Drain Unblockers" of Mersey Rod in Northwest United Kingdom battle with wipes so ginormous sometimes they look like kitchen towels. They have a KZfaq Channel, check out their views on wipes... hint:: they don't belong in toilets. The reason I'm so fuss-buckety about this topic is how it cost time & effort in my own home. Elders appreciate wipes, and use them like toilet paper... so, I've seen and lived the damage. It's just not worth it, as my $3500 septic tank bill will prove. Finally got my Mom on board when the entire drain field in the lawn had to be dug up.

@dano956 5 жыл бұрын

In Fredericton NB this spring they had an odor problem at their sewage lagoon, after removing a larger than usual amount of grease from the lagoon they pulled the pumps and removed 2 tons of flushable wipes from the pump intakes. Just because you can flush something doesn’t mean you should.

@melissajohnson2935 5 жыл бұрын

I don't know how I ended up here...but it kept my intrest, so good job!

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Maybe it's my mustache??? :-) If you want unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@Aggression-hc3yp Жыл бұрын

A friend’s habit of flushing napkins and paper towels brought me here. A recent issue they had has prompted me to study flushable wipes and see how worth it they are to flush down the toilet.

@melodyseverything6999 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for bringing awareness of this problem. I was interested in flushable wipes because there was a compressed towel version I was interested in at Amazon. So I bought it and did a simpler version of your test. I just filled a jar with water and then decompressed the towel and put it in the jar. I waited a few hours - it didn't decompose. I waited a day - nope, not yet. I checked it EVERY DAY for TEN DAYS and it didn't decompose AT ALL! I mean, I even shook it to see if that would help! NOPE! And it was said to be FLUSHABLE! So I just gave on the idea that I can flush this in the event that I'd come across a public bathroom that ran out of toilet paper. I'll just use it, put it in a bag and throw it away in the trash bin. Thanks again for this very helpful video!

@drsauce2574 2 жыл бұрын

just cuz u put it in water dont mean its gonna break up lmao what makes it break up is the pump it has to pass through that grinds up the sewage and plus the miles of flowing water pipes it has to go through

@louisemassie 2 жыл бұрын

@@drsauce2574 Where's the 🤣😂🤣😅🤣😂 button???

@louisemassie 2 жыл бұрын

Great idea Melody. 💡 Shaking it up was a recreation of all the pipes it might go thru.

@lonewolf333 7 ай бұрын

I did the same test with the Cottonelle wipes today, and waited 5 minutes until I went back to the jar. Interestingly, it started breaking up even before I picked the jar up. I shook the jar, and the wipe fell apart inside it pretty easily. I've never tested any other wipe like this, however.

@Cstegg 3 жыл бұрын

Nice testing. In the Navy on ships they only allowed 1 ply toilet paper... not fun but it kept things from backing up for the most part.

@askthebuilder 3 жыл бұрын

TNX for your service to our great nation. I did a tail hook one day. www.askthebuilder.com/aircraft-carrier-adventure-cruise/

@Mao2187 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all the hard work put into this video Tim. Great job!

@virtusetglorie 5 жыл бұрын

Bro that was a huge simulated dump

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

It was exactly what the Maximum Performance test labs said to make. I thought the same thing as I kept weighing more soybean paste, "Wow, this is enormous!"

@adamjones2025 3 жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder Australia this year got hit hard with Flushable wipes (not flushable in very small print). Causing huge issues for the poor people who had to fix this 3-4 times a week. Now i live in a small state called Tasmania (Australia). our local guys was working on the small pumping station only about 10 doors up. They spent a good few days pumping this crap out of the system. In the end our waste treatment put Adds on Tv asking people not to use them.

@electricalron 2 ай бұрын

Anyone who takes the time to set up a toilet atop of a baker scaffold to make a point deserves my attention and respect. I didn't know until NOW that flushable wipes were such an issue. Guess I've been too busy installing electric vehicle chargers to notice.

@askthebuilder 2 ай бұрын

Thanks. This was a two-day project. I spent many hours both pre and post-production to share the truth with you. I could have flushed so much more, but I think the point is clear. Go here to get even more information: www.askthebuilder.com/flushable-wipes-clog-sewer/ and www.askthebuilder.com/responsible-flushing-alliance-letter-to-askthebuilder-com/

@BrinConvenient 5 жыл бұрын

Representative from the Responsible Flushing Council shows up at 6:28 😂

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

BWAHAHAHAH Forgot to tell my wife to keep it quiet as I walked up to the rolling camera. ;-)

@JMSCollegeFun 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this video. i was thinking about switching to flushable wipes !

@WilliamJPrah 5 жыл бұрын

About 20 years ago, my mother had a clog at her house. On a septic tank! I had to have a company come out and pump the tank. The findings: Hundreds and hundreds of unbroken down wipes were still stuck to everything in there, and eventually clogged up the effluent pipe! I personally tested them myself, later on. By putting a wipe or two in a jar of plain water. I left it on the kitchen counter where I could see it. I'd agitate it about once a day just by tilting the jar. After a week, it was still not broken down. Imagine flushing these daily, you'll see how quickly they can add up!

@angebrowne1730 5 жыл бұрын

William Prah WHO on earth develops such things? And what sort of manufacturer owners sell them? Amazes me they can get away with it.

@djmaster1995 4 жыл бұрын

You realize they've changed their design since 20 years ago? The Cottonelle one that broke down in this test has been made even more flimsy since the test date.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Clogs happen. If you want unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@swappedoutZ71 2 жыл бұрын

There is bacteria in a septic tank to help break them down, that you won't have in your water jar for testing

@1roundleft821 Жыл бұрын

@@angebrowne1730 baby wipes have been around for ages, and thankfully so. Imagine giving your child a massive rash and having them walk around with remnants of their waste on their skin just because you're against the use of wipes.

@TheFiown 3 жыл бұрын

You are flushing in new pipes that are all smooth inside but older pipes or ones with irregularities in the joins or already partially blocked with catch the wipes and stop them from flushing out. These quickly bond together like papier maché and form a semi rigid block.

@askthebuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Yep. I alluded to that in the video. Did you miss that part?

@TheFiown 3 жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder Hi, thanks for that, no I had to leave in the middle !! Great experiment though, such dedication. I personally will not have them in the house ( wipes ) and even recently when people complained about toilet paper shortages I replied that there was water and soap ! I have lived in a couple of hot countries and visited more where people do not use paper. In some northern european countries they put the soiled paper in a basket next to the toilet and when I lived in Brazil they said that the diameter of the waste pipes there didn't allow for paper.

@deniselloyd4929 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. My husband said you look like "Ralphie" from Christmas Story. :)

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

Denise, your husband is right. He's not the first nor the last to make the comparison. I'd LOVE to meet that actor in person to see how much we look alike now.

@lugiasean19 3 жыл бұрын

The cottonelle wipes actually disintegrate completely by themselves, leave it in the bowl overnight and look at it in the morning.

@askthebuilder 3 жыл бұрын

That's great. Few let TP or wipes sit in a toilet all night and then flush. The point of the video is to show they've not disintegrated by the time they reach the sewer line or septic tank. If your building drain is obstructed, these will CLOG it. Read many of the other comments where people have paid LOTS of money to get clogs unstuck.

@BlackCat_2 5 жыл бұрын

I know from personal experience they can't be flushed. Totally messed up my pipes heading to the septic. I had a huge clog that I had to snake out and it was all "flushable" wipes. I still use wipes but I throw them away in one of those smell securing diaper pails. I will never flush them again. - Heidi

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Correct. If you want unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@williamkeele1873 2 жыл бұрын

This guy went above and beyond in his test!

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Two days of building and recording the video, two hours getting material, 5 hours post production editing the video. All for you.

@jonferguson7701 3 жыл бұрын

Sadly I'm finding this video too late. I saw Dude wipes on crazy clearance at Kroger and decided to give them a shot, now 2 days later my shower is full of (expletive deleted) and I just got a crazy good workout with a plunger. It eventually went down, but the dude wipes are going in the trash.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Ugh. This is why you should be on my newsletter list: Be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@MrMali22 Жыл бұрын

While I love this I will say we have no idea how long you left each thing in the water. And if the cottonelle was already breaking down even to the point you said it was a lot like the expensive toilet paper then why wouldn't you be OK with it? When these get flushed do they not stay in water to continue breaking down? All this proved to me is the 30 seconds in the water wasn't enough time and the cottonelle had already begun breaking down in that time

@askthebuilder Жыл бұрын

I think you better re-watch the video and pay really close attention to what I say in the first 120 seconds...

@MrMali22 Жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder I did. And I just did again. I watched the first 3 and a half minutes again to make sure I didn't miss anything. My questions still aren't answered. And I've seen other plumbers recommend them or specific brands that break down great. But you still put a blanket statement at the end that you wouldn't recommend them at all. Even the cottonelle which by the end of the pipe was already breaking down and breaks down great in other tests. Maybe just answer my question if you can instead of telling me to rewatch what I've watched 3 times now?

@kitics3643 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting video. I really like how the Cottonelle wipe really starts to break down. I feel like it would be ripped apart when other things are added in there with it to. Also, sooo many people seem to think baby wipes and flushable wipes are the same thing. They aren't, and the fda put heavy fines and stricter guidelines on wipe manufacturers some years ago for causing extensive damage to city systems. Everything now has to meet certain requirements for city sewage use. That does not include septic systems though. They do design wipes that are septic safe and breakdown very easily. Parents have used wipes on their septic now for 13ish years now without any issues caused from them. Just do your research before throwing any wipe down the pipe!

@Hkkilla33 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! This is the problem!!! Baby wipes can’t and shouldn’t be flushed yet people do it anyway 🙄🤬

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

I say we gather them up and strike them with wet noodles! If you want FREE unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@meghanmccutcheon3615 2 жыл бұрын

I know it’s been a year lol, but what type of wipe have the parents been using with no problem? Everytime I look it up it’s always Cottonell or a couple other brands and it’s the same but I’m hearing a lot of mixed reviews on them but Cottonell seems to be the best?

@gojeffgordon24 5 жыл бұрын

Good video for the Contonelle wipes. I would feel fairly good on those every so often if needed. The others are a different story.

@scottberge6286 3 жыл бұрын

Just put one in a bucket of water, it’ll break down fast. The other brands, not at all.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Pay attention to what I say at the end of the video. If you want unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@user-xx7pg3vw9k 5 жыл бұрын

My take away: So basically, you can flush just about anything down a toilet.

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

Pretty much that's true. Remember, old drain lines have rough inside surfaces and it's easy for clogs to build up.

@Aggression-hc3yp Жыл бұрын

That’s what we should be worried about if we have a habit of flushing things that we shouldn’t flush down the drain. If Cottonelle made flushable wipes that break down in the pipes, then they should be fine to use.

@rileybradshaw7703 3 жыл бұрын

Nice demonstration, all the more relevant now with the COVID situation and people flushing disinfecting wipes (which are not even meant to break down). As a professional engineer who works in the municipal wastewater realm, I can attest that the problem doesn't stop at your home plumbing. Taxpayer dollars are regularly spent to unclog sewer lines, unclog sewer pumps, replace/upgrade sewer pumps, and screen these materials out at the treatment plant so they can go to the landfill where they belong. Feminine products are also another big culprit. Best rule of thumb: if it's not toilet paper or something your body produced it should go in the trash, not the toilet.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

I survived Covid. The survival rate is 98.4%. Why is everyone so worried about it? The common flu has a similar survival rate. I'm confused!!!

@raynaudier8622 2 жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder , no shade to you, but a 1.6% fatality rate means an *extra* 5,312,000 US deaths that are.. unnecessary [US pop currently ~ 332,000,000 people]; a significant number to add to all the usual fatalities [significant to me, anyway]. Not looking for an argument; just sayin'..

@MrMagoo-no5lb 4 жыл бұрын

Day #12 in COVID 19 lockdown KZfaq video viewing... Time to start throwing these in the can and not down the throne.

@m74796 3 жыл бұрын

Day 363 here

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

You better go watch this video: ise.media/video/plandemic-ii-indoctornation-23.html STOP BEING PLAYED.

@miriamsinclair1655 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this elaborate test.👌

@alexmurdoch1391 3 ай бұрын

I've been a Public Health Inspector for over 30 years. When "flushable" wipes came out, I was teaching septic installer courses, so I put wipes in a mason jar with water and shook them. I still have them, more than 20 years later, they are still intact. They do not break down. Same thing with "flushable" cat litter.

@askthebuilder 3 ай бұрын

Alex, some now do break down as evidenced in this video. The point of my video was to show what state they're in just before entering a septic tank or a city sewer line. The Internet is littered with stories supporting your stance showing how many sturdy wipes cause massive clogs in sewers and serious issues at sewage treatment plants. As I said, I'm good with people using them, but dispose of them in a can just as you'd do with a soiled paper infant diaper.

@sarahkim8687 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this experiment. It really showed me what happens to a flushable wipe and toilet paper. Is it possible to go further and test the other popular brands of flushable wipes and toilet paper? For example, the Equate brands from Walmart, the feminine flushable wipes, and etc.

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

The testing apparatus was disassembled many months ago. I'm wondering if you glossed over what I said at the end of the video. Please watch the ending of the video where I tell you exactly WHAT you should put into a toilet.

@ReigningWomban 2 жыл бұрын

Just wow! This was super thorough!!!! I didn’t expect you throw army toys, LEGOS, etc in the testing! I will be disposing my wipes separately. Thank you.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

I wish I would have done more in the video. I should have flushed these things down to show you what happens: Kleenex tissues, gravel, sand, glass marbles, cotton swabs, etc. Oh well, I think most people get the idea. Bottom Line: Just put body waste (solid/liquid) in the toilet bowl and maybe single-ply paper. Don't put ANYTHING else down a toilet!!!

@francoissaintine5161 4 жыл бұрын

Wow ! What a fabulous experiment you made ! Thanks for sharing !

@Tyler-nt8jo 8 ай бұрын

I just wanna commend you for putting so much effort into this video! building the whole contraption and such. You've certainly enlightened me to not flush any kind of wipes!

@askthebuilder 8 ай бұрын

It was a tremendous amount of work. But I had to do it once the PR person reached out demanding a retraction in my national column. Don't you find it interesting that the PR person or ANYONE from ANY of the wipes manufacturers has NOT commented here saying the setup is inferior or that the testing method is flawed? That tells you everything I show in the video is CORRECT. They KNOW their products are causing problems for homeowners/sewer-plant managers but they only care about PROFIT.

@DetroitHomeInspector 9 ай бұрын

I am a home inspector and have a sewer camera. I see these wipes fully intact in sewers all the time. They stick to the old rough cast iron sewer pipe like Velcro. I would never use these.

@dblackesquire 5 жыл бұрын

*not trying to be crass* If you are quite sure your stool exceeds the size and weight of the model used, would you recommend adding water to the flush to prevent clogs and get everything to the municipal system? Or should we count on breakdown similar to the soybean paste model.

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

I'd have a 5-gallon pail filled with 4 gallons of water next to the toilet. Once you're about to flush the toilet to send the mass on its journey, get ready to add the 4 additional gallons of water as the water from the tank enters the bowl to send the log down the porcelain flume. You flush the toilet and as your stool disappears, start to add the water from the bucket. WATCH this video for the pouring technique: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/oceYmchh0L7an2Q.html

@rm3141593 2 жыл бұрын

I found something out about myself watching your videos: I found out I never get tired of watching you flush stuff down the toilet.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

I wish I could have a re-do of this video. I would have flushed 20 other different things just to see what happens. Oh well!

@frankjackson2439 4 жыл бұрын

My terlet is clogged because of non flushable wipes being flushed, but that’s not why I’m commenting. I’m just wondering what your neighbors think of you building a toilet on scaffolding in your front yard.

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

My neighbors cheered me. They just asked that I use it at night because they said they've always wanted to see two moons.

@spooncarvingwithtom 3 жыл бұрын

Someone let this man design a waterslide please. This guy is probably the only person who has lost weight during COVID, that is a long distance and elevation to walk up and down.

@noahark1822 Жыл бұрын

I have dude wipes, but I use them like baby wipes and never flush them. I noticed they feel almost like fabric or even like they have plastic in them? I read the back and one stipulation for flushing them was if no "fat" is ever put down "any" drain. I was confused bc stool can very often have fat?? Like food has grease, so if you eat any fat (which you do bc it's a necessary nutrient) then you can't flush these wipes according to their own packaging

@EricCox4848 4 жыл бұрын

I tried using flushable wipes since last October. Except, I found out the hard way last January, flushable wipes aren't flushable like it says on the package. In fact, it clogged my waste pipe and caused a plumbing nightmare. Wastewater backing up into my tub when I used my plunger. I just didn't realize what problems it was causing. Even other videos show what can happen using those products. Now I know what not to do.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

You're wrong. They ARE flushable. So are Army men and gravel. Watch again the ending of the video about WHAT I SAY. For unlimited free tips each week subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@cristianavila955 2 жыл бұрын

You deserve a million views and a KZfaq Plaque! Great setup and demonstration.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

TNX, Cristian! It would be nice to have that many subs. Perhaps you can help?!! Spread the word far and wide about Ask the Builder. You might want to subscribe to my FREE newsletter on the home page of www.AsktheBuilder.com. Today's newsletter was a keeper... BIG announcement coming in the next 14 days!

@ss4vegeta1 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks man, thumbs up. I always put my wipes in separate bag but I thought that the wipes would be fine. Also I was unaware that those companies make the claim that they are suppose to dissolve. One thing, I think everything you said was good advise but the only toilets I know of that could possibly take some of that is those powerful toilets in NYC that don't run on septic systems. When you flush it, it sounds like a sonic boom went off. You know what I mean? Its like comparing a Bugatti or Ferrari to a Honda Civic or Toyota Camry.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

TY as we say in Morse. If you want unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@capper6100 4 жыл бұрын

After he said lets start flushing i looked away and an ad with rock music started playing. I thought he was doing some hardcore flushing.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Hard heavy metal - like the pipe scaffolding. Get unlimited tips each week when you subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@theorangecircle1066 2 жыл бұрын

Truly enjoyed your video. Liked your thorough testing. Thank you for shareing your knowledge with viewers. Will share this with others because its a great example. Great job!

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

You're most welcome. This is the last *FREE* long-form video I'll ever do. KZfaq pays so little money it's not worth it to put in all the time. This video took over three days to do everything. All future ones are going to be paid content. I'm working on one now showing everything one needs to know how to install plumbing drain, waste, and vent pipes in a home. It's probably going to be a total of 2 hours cut into three videos.

@fredhoffman6658 2 ай бұрын

I sure learned a lot. Thank you for all of your hard work to teach us.

@Bufsta15 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you sir, need this video as proof for my family to not flush wipes down the toilet!

@SJ-gd6bo 5 жыл бұрын

That is one hell of a test rig. Good stuff, I am a fan of wet wipes, got to be super clean for the ladies.

@frankJacksonmusakali 3 жыл бұрын

is it for the ladies thou?....hhhmmmmmm... I'm not judging

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, ladies want clean. But put them in a trash can like a baby's diaper.

@ChristineSolazzo 3 жыл бұрын

You have to give them time to disintegrate. Much better one on YT about using them in RVs and Scotts was the clear winner.

@askthebuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Christine, you missed the entire point of the video... And you should read the comments here from wastewater plant managers that will tell you many of these products are causing huge issues in sewer trunk lines as well as sewer plants.

@Locutus 2 жыл бұрын

In the UK, the Water UK created a new standard for flushable wipes ((WIS) 4-02-06), where it's designed to breakup in the sewer system. It's worth trying to see if you can get your hands on these and test them. I don't mind sending you some to test, if you're willing to pay for the wipes and postage. :) They are about £1 for a 40 pack here.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Lots of products in the UK are not available in the USA and vice versa. For example, you can't buy www.StainSolver.com in the UK. Bummer!

@bobd5119 5 жыл бұрын

Great job! I despise those so-called low-flush toilets. My 33-year-old throne uses 3 gallons per flush. Those low-flush embarrassments flush at least 3.2 gallons per use. (Yeah, I know, 1.6 gallons per flush. How many flushes per use?) And they don't keep enough water in the bowl.

@theultimatereductionist7592 4 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, they are HORRIBLE. If you want unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@theunexpressedable 4 жыл бұрын

I will share this, you did a great job here explaining what happens! Thank you!

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

I'm humbled by your praise. If you want FREE unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@Longhorn-s7z Жыл бұрын

Outstanding investigation and I don't know how this video doesn't already have millions of views. Bottom line, if you use wet wipes, flush at your own risk.

@askthebuilder Жыл бұрын

I wonder too why it doesn't have more views. See if you can start to pass it around all your contacts and urge THEM to pass it along. Thanks.

@DogzD4 8 ай бұрын

Love the video. Great experiment! However I would add a time-lapse of how long it takes for the different materials to break down. Since that stuff should be sitting in your septic tank for a while. I bet after about a week most of the products would break down almost fully. But I would love to see that added.

@askthebuilder 8 ай бұрын

I think you need to re-watch the first minute of the video. That's NOT what the video was about. And you're WRONG about some wipes breaking down. They don't.

@bryanreddy5703 3 жыл бұрын

Did anyone notice the fly get flushe down the toilet at 5:30 or am I trippy

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

You need to put that pipe away... To get unlimited tips each week, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@CT_Yankee Жыл бұрын

Fecal material PLUS the requisite paperwork should have been tested also. While wet wipes (of some sort) are a great way to finish the task, I refuse to flush them into my home's septic system. Just had the tank pumped after 5 years and all was good.

@miker6330 Жыл бұрын

One flaw in your experiment, you did not let the material sit in the water after it was flushed; maybe it would have dissolved more.

@askthebuilder Жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike. Do you use the toilet, drop in paper, and then walk out of the room to come back XX minutes later to then flush it?

@jaredtumalip522 Жыл бұрын

thank you for taking the time to educate people mr!

@lakeend5702 2 жыл бұрын

Man….. that was a real test and very thorough. Thank I!!

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

It was fun to do. It took a total of two days. Looking back I wish I would have flushed about five or ten other things. Reading through the comments, people wanted to know about Kleenex, and other assorted items. I also wish I had sent down some plastic Army tanks and other larger kids' toys. Get unlimited tips like this each week by subscribing to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@stephenmartinez1 Жыл бұрын

I don’t even use toilet paper anymore. I bought one of those water sprayers that attaches to the toilet. It costed $70, but the amount I’ve saved in not buying toilet paper anymore.

@askthebuilder Жыл бұрын

TMI - We don't need to know about your personal hygiene habits.

@stephenmartinez1 Жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder you have a good point. But the fact that a person can spend $70 and never have to buy toilet paper again is too powerful for me not to mention.

@tankneverfull3931 4 жыл бұрын

I really appreciate the amount of work you put into that testing rig and all the testing you did, but there's one important thing I don't see: where is the house trap? Don't all houses have a house trap exiting the house? I would think that would be the most likely place that flushed items could get stuck and cause problems.

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

Uh, the video is not about how to install plumbing pipes or even where clogs happen - even though I'm a master plumber. It was recorded to show what happens to flushable wipes as they travel through a building drain to the sewer tap or septic tank. Period.

@tankneverfull3931 4 жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder And it does that very well. I'm just saying that after all the effort you put into building the setup, it's a shame not to see the interaction with a trap. Maybe it's just me ... but I was curious.

@beekeepermariadelgado6806 2 жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder plus ideal conditions, and like you said the waste line can be full of debris etc which wipes cling onto.

@chassa7266 4 жыл бұрын

You must have calf muscles of a 20yr old climbing to that pooper so many times......

@ianhop 4 жыл бұрын

The flushable wipes i recently got pretty much fall apart in my hand. I’m sure they don’t take more than a couple hours to disintegrate

@41052 3 жыл бұрын

Well put it in water and leave it for an hour and compare it to toilet paper that also has been soaking. And what brand did you get? This effects everyone who uses the same sewerage system as you, so it shouldn’t be a “I’m sure” it should be a “I know”

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Truth For unlimited tips like this video, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@ChristophProbst 5 жыл бұрын

I live in Virginia and know only two other people who have bidets (both because I recommended it, lol). Bidets are amazing! I'm sure the reduced toilet paper usage has helped my septic system.

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

Yes, they are. The Europeans have used them for years and did their best to keep it a secret.

@tweetmetwice 2 жыл бұрын

How do you clean your butt overseas? I mean, I use bidet like twice a day, I could not simply live without that

@vl.3552 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for making this video!! Shared with friends and family.

@amiyrahyoung6381 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this test❤. I never did like Charmin. I buy Scotts tissue, but during the pandemic it was sold out. Therefore had to convert to a different thicker brand at Sam's Club similar to Charmin😬. After seeing this vid, going back to Scotts brand even if generic. The bowel movement was very informative despite the graphics🤣. Thanks again❤. Love your sense of humor. Glad the army men survived🤣

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Army men are tough.

@glenng7085 Жыл бұрын

Okay Why?... rewatch the beginning of the video, ITS THE CHARMIN THAT STARTED TO BREAK DOWN IMMEDIATELY, THE Scott's DID NOT!

@awesomeray100 Жыл бұрын

@@glenng7085 she's talking about the toilet paper, not the wipes. however, i believe charmin tp would be fine to use in a toilet. it may not break down as fast as scott, but if it was torn to shreds after that one flush, im sure it would be fine even for a septic system

@Aggression-hc3yp Жыл бұрын

2-ply toilet paper has been effective for those that need them to be strong and soft. But flushable wipes may be just as effective as the 2-ply paper.

@FrnnkEducation 4 жыл бұрын

can't believe i'm here watching this with no hesitation after eating lmao.

@cooallen1570 3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣while I’m eating fruit loops at 4:30am

@carlshallberg437 Жыл бұрын

Lift stations around the world thank you sir!!!

@ShampootheSpider2019 4 жыл бұрын

Flushable wipes can trick you and cause clogging and caused days of cleaning operation

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Yes. Get unlimited tips each week when you subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@jinky0u812 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent video! Did you get a response from the moist towelette manufacturers after performing this test with their guidelines?

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

No, I've never heard again from them or their PR person. Their SILENCE tells you all you need to know. In my OPINION, they know they're being unethical with their labeling.

@justinTime077 2 жыл бұрын

You went above and beyond for science and I respect that. We could use much more of this effort in the world.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

TNX. Did you subscribe to my FREE newsletter? I often mention science in it: askthebuilder.com/newsletter/

@MrWilkat1 2 жыл бұрын

Great demo. Although, I do need to point out that using higher quality TP like Charmin one can (and shoud) use far less. The cheap single ply stuff requires one to use many more sheets for number two LOL! As far as a septic system---people often don't think it through well before flushing and they do sell TP that breaks down better for these systems.

@askthebuilder Жыл бұрын

Glad you like my videos. If one or more helped save you time and $$$, check out the *THANKS* text link under all my videos.

@skkms910 4 жыл бұрын

Hey man, I loved this vid, but is it okay for me to use the Cottonelle Wipes? I know you mentioned that older drain lines are rough on the inside, so if it began to break from this smooth piping, I would assume it would break apart in an older one.

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

Did you watch the last minute of the video? If not, WATCH IT ONE MORE TIME.

@cooallen1570 3 жыл бұрын

No. Stop being in denial like I was. It’s very expensive to have septic pumped twice because of flushable wipes😔

@beekeepermariadelgado6806 2 жыл бұрын

No!

@garykos Ай бұрын

Dude Wipes had a recent Class Action Lawsuit for this issue. Charmin was rated by C.R. to not decompose fast enough. Where did they get that pantie and what was the point ? The side comments by the "flusher" made this video authentic ! ( like being there live ).. was that the son keeping Pops in check ?

@askthebuilder Ай бұрын

The point of all the other things being flushed was to show that you CAN FLUSH just about anything down a toilet - including gravel. But it's NOT a good idea. My wife helped record the video. That's her voice you hear in the background from time to time.

@Cherandy 2 жыл бұрын

There's only one thing that I wish you had simulated that you didn't... An average bm does not just have the bm in the toilet. It is also the tp, and it's generally going to be more double the six squares. Followed by one, two, or even 3 wipes. All getting flushed together, which can be dramatically different from the individual situations I saw here. I think if someone saw a simulation of *that* with 2 ply (and there's 3 ply out now) and a wipe or two, it would make a bigger impact. That said, it's amazing the length you went to in order to do a genuine simulation of these different items, and I thank you for your time and effort! You really went above and beyond. 💜

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

We already know what happens to the TP paper. I showed you two types. You're missing, I feel, the entire purpose of this video. But what do I know? I ate lunch for 20+ years sitting on top of overturned empty drywall mud buckets...

@Cherandy 2 жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder I am absolutely NOT missing the purpose, at all. I have been scolding a friend of mine for flushing wipes. And I was hoping for a visual for her, of the fact that when she uses multiple pieces of tp, followed by 2-3 wipes, that there would be at least a small struggle for it all to get down, and then the wipe still wouldn't break down. I did send her this video, but I also sent her a few from other places, so she could see the ginormous wads being pulled out of the sewer systems, and hear the damage they cause. Like I said, when I watched yours, I was just hoping for that shocking visual that would change her ways. It's still very informative.

@eco900 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, won't be buying any more of these wipes. But I am curious, would build up in the lines help shred the wipes, or only give it a point to stick to and clog?

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

What do you think????? Ponder your question and apply some common sense.

@1roundleft821 Жыл бұрын

You realize you can still buy the wipes and put them in a bin when finished right?

@stalfosguardian5573 3 ай бұрын

Or just throw them away

@kurtnelle 4 ай бұрын

Would like to see a timelapse of how long they do take to disintegrate.

@askthebuilder 4 ай бұрын

Well, just do your own experiment. Put them in a bowl of water. The issue is that's not reality. In a sewer line, they are moving downstream. In a septic tank, there is movement but not much. Record a video of your experiment, upload it to your channel, then come back and share the URL with us. GL as we say in Morse.

@leonaleona333 10 ай бұрын

Amazing skills and credibility!

@JTree 2 жыл бұрын

Can I ask why there was a cut in the footage at about 6:13 when you put the toilet paper in. I feel like you almost waited to ensure a better result with the toilet paper. Not that tp was suspect anyways. But I just got thrown off with my ocd by that and I still don't know why the take wasn't fished and redone.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Sure, you can ask. That was a few years ago and I suspect it's because I had to switch hands to flush the toilet or I had lost my balance up on the wobbly platform. I can assure you that the flush happened within ten seconds of placing the paper in the bowl. It's a very realistic time frame as MANY people wipe themselves then they put their clothes back on and the last thing they do is flush the toilet. That process might have the paper in the bowl 30 seconds or more. There was no need to redo the take because the time frame was realistic. Why don't you time yourself doing what I just described and then come back and tell us how long it takes you to wipe your arse twice, pull up your clothes, and then get put back together buckling your belt. My guess is 30 seconds. Looking forward to your next comment with your time.

@jamesgoularte8460 5 жыл бұрын

great video I have had this happen plugged the main sewer pipe from the house had to call a Plummer now they go in the trash only

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Smart man. If you want unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@stephaniebeecham-smythe5912 3 жыл бұрын

I managed the maintenance and operations at a 300,000 square feet office building with around a thousand employees working there. I had to spend a month educating them of the hazards of wet wipes blocking the toilets. And tampons etc. The most common argument I got was it says on the pack flushable ....go figure

@askthebuilder 3 жыл бұрын

Stephanie, consider sending out an inter-office MEMO email with the link to this video asking all employees to watch this video. As you know, I explain in the video that the labeling is unethical.

@michaelwtm 3 жыл бұрын

I did a little salute when the army men went in. It's an inconvenient truth. I am a long time user of flushable wipes, and (sorry if it's a bit TMI) I have somewhat messy bowel movements. The ability to get clean after a movement was absolutely life-changing for me, and that is not hyperbole. I am going to begin the transition to disposing of them in something other than the toilet.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

They all survived. Strong lungs! To get unlimited free tips each week like this, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@rogermccaslin5963 2 жыл бұрын

Put a mini lift station at the end and try to pump those wipes out. Send the resulting pump clog video to that "alliance".

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

The Alliance already knows that wipes clog pumps and sewers. The Alliance is to the Flushable Wipes Mfrs what lipstick is on a pig. It's the job of the Alliance to spread stories of unicorns squirting rainbows from their butts about everything wipes.

@markthomas4083 5 жыл бұрын

Hey Mr. Tim. I have 15 years of service work under my knees, haha. I guessed every test correctly. Funny, most every customer denies flushing the wipes. I always wonder why people think lying to the plumber will benefit them? I have snaked out shirts, underwear, lots of wet wipes, feminine products and the #2 stuff, your last test....people who take lots or.medications will plug a toilet, even a Kohler. Once I was perplexed badly, could not clear a toilet....upstairs apartment, hot summer afternoon, disgusting messy drug addicts and several unfortunate children occupied this one bathroom unit, took the toilet outside, beat it with a sledgehammer and found a large tablespoon stuck in the goose neck of the toilet.

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

They lie because they're embarrassed.

@johnhoog8279 4 жыл бұрын

One weekend had to pull the kids throne to clear a persistent clog. I was grumbling at my kids for carelessly blocking it again as I cleared the goose neck and was then embarrassed to find the work pen I had lost the previous week rather than some LEGOs.

@thumat2002 5 жыл бұрын

My city water department has stated that the flushable wipes are clogging their system.

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

That's true. Lots of videos here on KZfaq about sewer plant clogs from wipes.

@user-ou7ms2hj8x 7 ай бұрын

What type of chemicals used in the making of flushable wipes ?

@askthebuilder 7 ай бұрын

Easy. Read the product label. If the information you desire is not there, then reach out to the manufacturers for those trade secrets.

@Carrosive 2 жыл бұрын

10:37 "I just cannot believe how big this" *nervous sweating*

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

That fake turd was HUGE! It was zero fun forming it with my hands let me tell you.

@samuraibiker3793 2 жыл бұрын

The problem is this test doesn't account for how long the flushable wipes would be in the sewer or waste water system before reaching a sewage treatment plant. Plus, as he said, most pipes do have some sort of debris or deposits that would further help break down the flushable wipes. How about a test where you test how long it would take the wipes to break down in clean water as well as contaminated water. I think that would be more accurate.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

I'm pretty certain you *failed to LISTEN or comprehend* to what I said in the first 30 seconds. This test was to show what happens in the PIPING you're responsible to MAINTAIN, not the city sewage system pipes. Try to be more observant next time before you make yourself look foolish to the world.

@johnbalogna803 3 жыл бұрын

So wouldn't older systems with their rough interior pipes cause more friction and abrasion on the wet wipes as their passing through further causing their break down??

@askthebuilder 3 жыл бұрын

When I asked my tiny gray cells this question and invoked 40 years of plumbing experience, the answer came to me like one might hook a fish. Get it?

@tksmem 4 жыл бұрын

Yes flushable wipes are bad for any type of sewer system period, cigarette butts are WORSE they never break down. You need to show the products after 30 plus minutes sitting in water to break down plus the bacteria in systems also helps break them down as most end up like the single ply toilet paper. LOL you have to much free time :)

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

No, I don't. It was just imperative to make this video to put the Flushable Wipes Alliance to SHAME. Get unlimited tips each week in my FREE newsletter. Subscribe at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@martinraboy5971 2 жыл бұрын

Knew this before but loved the test. Really excellent.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it! Please pass it around and be sure to start watching my LIVE streams each M-F 4 PM ET starting back up Jan 3, 2022. I have a HUGE announcement that day for all KZfaq viewers.

@unclejohnny6130 2 жыл бұрын

“This will be sized similar to a real one.” Gets me everytime

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

It grossed me out making the fake log.

@TheHunnyBeee 2 жыл бұрын

Cottonelle's are branded to fall apart so I'm not surprised. I would suggest to break apart the flushable Cottonelle if you want to flush them.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Can you explain at what point you *break them apart* before you flush them?

@Pond6 2 жыл бұрын

This deserves 10 million views, if not 100 million. People need to know this shit!.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

I'm sure the pun was intended, right? :-)

@galax574 5 жыл бұрын

You read my mind.... As I watch this video I keep wondering why the clear plastic bin will get overflowed for almost each flush. LOL

@askthebuilder 5 жыл бұрын

I've done enough videos and replied to enough comments that I KNEW people would wonder about the extra 6 liters of water.

@RobertFoster1 4 жыл бұрын

ok but i wonder...do the flushable wipes eventually break down, if left in water for long enough?

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

Some/many do NOT break down. Try it yourself. put one in a bowl of water and see what happens. Put a face tissue or TP in another bowl as a control.

@RobertFoster1 4 жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder then in my opinion, they shouldn't have flushable on the package

@askthebuilder 4 жыл бұрын

@@RobertFoster1 You need to voice your opinion with the Attorney General in your state and the Federal Trade Commission. Share how you feel they're mislabled.

@Pungh0li0 5 жыл бұрын

In my area you're lucky to have much more than a 1 foot initial drop then 2% after that. I wonder how anything makes it out with low flush.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Correct. Low-flush toilets are horrible. THere is no water shortage. Water is put back into rivers as FAST as it comes into sewage-treatment plants. If it wasn't, you'd have a massive FLOOD at the plants. Same with septic tanks. For each gallon of water I put into my tank, a gallon of water immediately flows back into the ground to be re-used again. If you want unlimited tips like this each week, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@giggity4670 2 жыл бұрын

Ask anyone that works in a water treatment place and they will tell you no they do not brake apart that well. As it not the problem with 1 wipe it is when people put 3 to 5 wipes down the drian and they dont brake down as good then they meet up with oter wipes down the way in the sewer and ball together and that is when it does not brake down at all and becomes a ball that causes trouble down the line.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Truth.

@haolee1975 4 жыл бұрын

I was charged $200 for Auger; $588 for Gerber Elongated Tank and Bowl; $292 for Valve and Appurtenances; plumber gave me $150 discount for multiple work. was this $930 total charge in line with industry or did i get caught with my pants down.

@cooallen1570 3 жыл бұрын

That’s a normal discount rate. Had to pay twice because I didn’t want to believe it was the wipes until I saw it for myself 🤮.

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

Pants are way down to your ankles. For unlimited tips like this video, subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@organicvids 2 жыл бұрын

I have an idea. What about installing a grinder pump into first septic tank set to a timer to run intermittantly (1xday, 5min) to grind up effluent and circulate it inside tank for better decomposition?

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

This is a horrible idea. Why not just do as I say in the video and save yourself all sorts of money on pumps and electricity?????

@organicvids 2 жыл бұрын

@@askthebuilder that is the plan. Ill do an update in about a year.

@taladiv3415 4 жыл бұрын

Bless you for your efforts to educate the masses!

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

I'll take all the blessings I can get! For unlimited free tips each week subscribe to my FREE newsletter at www.AsktheBuilder.com

@therevolution91 2 жыл бұрын

So: My landlord always ripping me off with some fees because I am to blame for pipe clocking with wet toilet paper. (but the pipes are the problem because I used normal toilet paper when their clocking happened) Simply using normal toilet paper then? Or is that simply faschism? (I live abroad & these people blame me for their old pipes)

@askthebuilder 2 жыл бұрын

You simply ask the landlord to put in writing exactly what to use so you no longer get charged fees. Use what they tell you to put in the toilet. They have to PROVE the clog was caused by you. Hard to do in a multi-family building.