To Flush or Not to Flush

toilet with an open lidWhen you use your toilet, shower, washing machine or dishwasher, wastewater leaves your home through pipes that connect to the City sanitary sewer system.

Many materials frequently flushed or poured down the drain can harm your sanitary sewer lines and the main sewer system as well. Every property owner connected to the City sewer system can be a potential contributor to sewer problems and a potential victim of those problems.

Putting the wrong materials down the drain can damage the sewer system, cause sewer backups in your home and sewer releases to the environment. Anyone who uses the City sewer system, should be responsible for what they flush or pour down drains.

Don't Flush This
Basically, the only thing you should ever flush down a toilet is human waste (urine and feces) and toilet paper. Here is a list of some of things to keep out of the toilet:
  • disposable diapers
  • “flushable” wipes
  • feminine products
  • cotton balls and swabs
  • unused medications (click here for proper disposal)
  • cleaning wipes of any kind
  • facial tissue
  • bandages and bandage wrappings