WET WIPES AND FOG:
A PLUMBING NIGHTMARE

Think flushing “flushable” wipes is harmless? Think again. At CMC Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we’ve seen firsthand how wet wipes and FOG (fats, oils, and grease) can wreak havoc on home plumbing systems in Madison Heights and surrounding areas. What seems convenient in the moment can lead to major backups, pipe damage, and costly repairs.

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WHY WET WIPES AREN’T ACTUALLY FLUSHABLE

Let’s get one thing straight: “flushable” does not mean biodegradable.
Unlike toilet paper, which disintegrates quickly in water, most wipes—baby wipes, makeup wipes, cleaning wipes—stay completely intact as they travel through your plumbing.

They might leave your toilet just fine, but they don't go far before causing problems.

Why Wet Wipes Are a Problem:

They don’t break down like toilet paper
They collect inside your pipes and catch other debris
They mix with grease, soap scum, and hair to form massive clogs
They’re one of the leading causes of sewer backups in Metro Detroit

In fact, some cities spend millions removing “fatbergs” from sewer systems—giant masses of wipes and congealed grease. Gross and expensive.

MI LAW UPDATE: “DO NOT FLUSH” LABELS NOW MANDATORY

Michigan has joined six other states with a bold move: banning manufacturers from labeling non-flushable wipes as “flushable.” The law requires all non-flushable wipe products—like baby wipes, makeup wipes, disinfecting wipes, and adult hygiene wipes that contain plastic fibers—to carry a “DO NOT FLUSH” label notice covering at least 2% of the product’s principal display area, along with the standardized symbol per INDA/EDANA guidelines.

Manufacturers are also prohibited from making any claims or branding that implies the product is flushable or sewer-safe if it doesn’t meet the rigorous biodegradability standards. Violators face civil fines up to $2,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for further violations—starting after February 1, 2025.

Michigan regulators expect this law to reduce damage to septic tanks, private plumbing, pump stations, and municipal wastewater systems—saving ratepayers and homeowners millions annually. Utilities in Oakland and Macomb Counties have experienced hundreds of pump failures due to clogging from wipes, costing local systems over $130,000 in maintenance alone!