Flushables
Through advertised as “Flushable”, flushable wipes do cause many problems for wastewater facilities and their operations. But, flushable wipes aren’t the only culprit. The following items don’t break down like toilet paper and end-up clogging household pipes, public sewer lift station pumps and causing sewer backups onto city streets, businesses, and homes.
Baby Wipes and Diapers
Cleaning Wipes
Paper Towels
Rags and Towels
Cotton Swabs and Cotton Balls Feminine Product
Facial Tissue
Hair
Dental Floss
Plastic items of any description
Syringes and Needles
Cleaning Sponges
Toilet bowl scrub pads
Household Cleaners
Unused Pharmaceuticals
Paint, Used Motor Oil Pesticides
Kitchen Grease and Oils
Aquarium Gravel or Kitty Litter
Clogged pipes and pumps cost money to repair. In the case of lift station pumps, clogged pumps require significant maintenance to ensure the pumps are working properly. If a pump is damaged and can’t be repaired, they must be replaced which costs even more money. The solution to this expensive problem is to make sure that only toilet paper is flushed down the toilet.
For more information, contact the Pretreatment Program Manager at (208) 888-2191.
