Preventing Backups

It’s Not Only Wipes That Clog Pipes

What gets flushed down toilets can cause harm to both your sewage pipes and your environment.

What goes down toilets and drains must travel through miles of winding pipes to get to our wastewater treatment plant. So things like wipes can clog those pipes along the way and at the treatment plant – causing damage, backups, and costly repairs.

Toilets Aren’t Like Trash Cans

Flushing common household items causes big, expensive problems.
Keep this list handy to prevent sewage from backing up in your home, business, or commercial property.

The DO NOT Flush List

Pre Moistened Wipes
Facial Tissues
Dental Floss
Bandages or Dressings
Test Strips
Diapers
Cotton Balls or Swabs
Topical Solutions
Hair
Catheters
Medications or Supplements
Paper Towels
Wrappers
Cleaners or Disinfectants
Hypodermic Needles
Feminine Hygiene Products
Cigarette Butts
Dust, Dirt or Lint
Food Scraps
Soaps, Oils, or Lotions
Pet Litter or Waste

Avoid Costly Repairs & Rate Increases

Don’t Flush Wipes!

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies estimates wipes cost 441 million dollars per year in additional operating expenses. Our SESD treatment facility regularly experiences damage to pumps, valves, pipes, and other equipment from wipes flushed – potentially resulting in sewage leaks into our waterways.

Flushing wipes end up costing you in increased expenses or environmental clean-ups.

Erik Nowak

Superintendent of Maintenance

“It costs local ratepayers a lot of money for us to continually clear wipes from our equipment, or replace damaged equipment. If residents could just stop flushing wipes and other non-flushables, our plant would operate smoother, our team would be safer, and the environment in this area would be better protected.”

Wipes Damage Your Pipes

When it comes to wipes, convenience often comes at a cost (to you).

Flushing wipes doesn’t just harm SESD and municipal pipes and equipment, it causes damage to your pipes. When that occurs, repairs can be expensive and involve not being able to flush your toilet until the damage is resolved.

Don’t wind up with an expensive bill and the inconvenience of clogged pipes. Keep a trash bin handy to dispose of wipes properly.

A mass of wipes removed from sewer pipes in Charleston, South Carolina. Courtesy of Charleston Water System

Courtesy of © International Water Services Flushability Group

Rick Delacono

Superintendent of Operations

“We’ve had to replace thousands of dollars worth of equipment over the years, now more than ever, and hundreds of man hours due to people flushing things other than human excreta and toilet paper.”

It Costs You Money to Flush Wipes

This video explains why putting wipes down your toilet causes expensive problems for municipalities and you!

Did You Know?

Sump Pumps and Rain Gutter Drainage Can Also Cause Backups

Sewage can overflow into your home due to improper sump pump and rain gutter drainage.

Learn More About Keeping Rainwater Out of Sewers