What Not to Flush – Tips for maintaining your sewer line

We care what you flush! Toilets, sinks and drains are made for one purpose and when used to dispose of improper items, it can have damaging effects on your sewer system. To help keep the sewer system flowing smoothly and keep the environment safe, residents are reminded that most everyday use items should not be disposed of into the sanitary sewer system. Below are some tips on “what not to flush” that can help you keep the sewer system flowing smoothly and protect the environment.

Don’t flush personal hygiene products such as cotton swabs, dental floss, disposable diapers, or feminine hygiene products. Dispose of them in a wastebasket instead.

Don’t wash fats, oils, or grease down the drain. They harden in sewer pipes and can cause clogs. Instead place liquid fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) into a jar or container with a lid for recycling at our Administration Center – learn more about our recycling program. Wipe down greasy pots and pans with a paper towel prior to washing in the sink or dishwasher.

Don’t flush so-called “flushable” wipes. They do not breakdown in the sewer system and can cause blockages in pipes and our treatment center. Wipes should always be thrown directly into the trash.

Don’t pour paint, engine oil, pesticides, or chemicals down the sink. Some of these hazardous materials can corrode the sewer, while others complicate the treatment process. These chemicals are a hazard to the environment and to maintenance crews working in the sewers. Use this Household Waste Chart to discover how to properly dispose of them.

Don’t dispose of medicines or drugs in the sewer system. Our treatment plant is not designed to treat these chemicals which means they can end up back in the water supply. Check out our list of external resources for where to properly dispose of them.

For more tips on how to maintain your sewer line, visit How To Maintain Your Sewer Line.