TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - They are products many of you have in your own home—specifically your bathroom. We’re talking about wipes advertised as flushable. But, those who treat wastewater and plumbers say they can create costly problems for both city sewer systems and homeowners.

“The wipes do not degrade as fast as toilet paper does,” said Michael Norris, who manages the Tyler Wastewater Treatment System.

The wastewater system is responsible for treating the water we flush before sending it flowing into West Mud Creek. Norris said while toilet paper and human waste breaks down before arriving at one of Tyler’s two wastewater treatment plants, flushable wipes do not.

“Even though they say they’re a plant-based product, they can take days to degrade,” Norris said.