Think Before You Flush
Many everyday household items should never go down your toilet or drains — even if they are labelled “flushable.”
Flushing the wrong items can clog pipes in your home, block municipal sewer lines, and damage wastewater treatment equipment. These blockages can lead to costly repairs, sewer backups, and increased operating costs that ultimately impact everyone.
The safest rule is simple:
Only Flush the 3 Ps:
- Pee
- Poop
- (Toilet) Paper
Everything else belongs in the garbage.
Why "Flushable" Doesn't Always Mean Safe
Products marketed as “flushable” do not break down the same way toilet paper does. Items like wipes, hygiene products, and paper towels can remain intact in sewer pipes, where they combine with grease and debris to create major blockages.
These blockages can:
- Cause sewer backups into homes
- Damage municipal pumping stations
- Require expensive emergency repairs
- Increase wastewater system costs
Do NOT Flush:
- Any wipes (even those labelled “flushable”)
- Paper towels or tissues
- Fats, oils, and grease
- Medications
- Diapers
- Menstrual products
- Condoms
- Dental floss
- Cotton pads or swabs
- Cat litter
- Hair
If you’re unsure about an item — throw it out.
Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG)
Grease may go down the drain as a liquid, but it hardens inside pipes. When grease combines with wipes and other debris, it forms large obstructions that restrict wastewater flow.
Instead:
- Allow grease to cool
- Place it in a container or wipe it up
- Dispose of it in the garbage
Protect Your Home & Community
Improper flushing is one of the leading causes of sewer backups.
A backup can:
- Damage flooring and drywall
- Create health hazards
- Result in insurance claims
- Require professional plumbing services
Preventing sewer issues starts with simple habits at home.
