"Do 'flushable wipes' clog toilets? — A Comprehensive Review of Plumbing Repair 'On-Site' and Manufacturer 'Opinions'"

Cleaning sheets and wipes labeled as "flushable" often lead to confusion among users. While manufacturers claim that these products can be flushed if used correctly, there are frequent reports of clogs. This article aims to clarify the conditions under which these products are more likely to cause blockages and how to use them safely by examining primary sources such as: ① records and case studies from plumbing repair services, ② advisories from sewerage authorities and local governments, ③ warnings from various manufacturers, ④ JIS "disintegration" tests and product test results from Kanagawa Prefecture, and ⑤ the repeal of the "Fine to Flush" standard in the UK. The conclusion is simple: even flushable products should not be flushed in large quantities. Always use "one sheet at a time" and "full flush." Be particularly cautious with water-saving toilets or septic tanks. When in doubt, dispose of them in the trash. Additionally, the article provides guidelines for "initial actions when clogged" and operational manuals for homes and businesses (including display examples and equipment checklists) as an appendix. By bridging the perspectives of on-site professionals and manufacturers, it presents best practices for safety, hygiene, and equipment maintenance. The article distills insights from the Tokyo Metropolitan Sewerage Bureau, TOTO guides, Q&A from companies like Kao, Unicharm, and Pigeon, Kanagawa Prefecture's product tests, and changes in UK regulations into practical decision-making criteria you can use starting today.