Some things just don’t flush! Did you know that your home or place of work uses a network of pipes to dispose of sewage? This means that everything you put down a drain, be it a toilet, shower, or kitchen sink, wastewater enters a pipe which is then directed through pumps to the city’s regional wastewater plant for treatment.
Pipes, mechanical pumps and if you have a septic tank, drain fields, can all become clogged and damaged by items that should not be disposed of in your drains and toilets. These clogs and damages cost you money as a homeowner, renter, or taxpayer! Costs May show up as higher utility bills, plumbing and maintenance bills, increased rent or association fees, or even fines from the city, county, or state. Clogs can also cause sewage to back up into your homes, spill onto streets, lawns, or parking lots. Never a pretty sight.
It’s important to remember that our wastewater treatment plants are not designed to treat toxic chemicals that are poured into drains. In turn, these harmful agents get re-introduced into our fragile environment.
Watch what you flush! It’s a toilet, not a trash can! Here are some common items that are overlooked and should not be put down drains or toilets.
- Diapers
- “Disposable” baby wipes
- Towels/Rags
- Paper Towels
- Hygiene products
- Birth control products
- Chemicals
- Fat, cooking oils, grease
- Paint
- Gasoline
- Medication
- Garbage
- Plastics
- Kitty Litter