Protect our Sewers

Flushing your trash can lead to service interruptions and expensive repairs to home and municipal plumbing lines. When a clog or break down occurs, untreated sewage can back up into your home, your neighborhood or our waterways.

Following the suggestions listed may save residents money and avoid significant inconvenience, as well as the cost to the resident or community for clearing and repairing blockages.

Do's

• Place a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of solid wastes. Disposable diapers and personal hygiene products to not belong in the sewer system.
• Avoid the release of hair into the shower, bathtub or sink drains to prevent clogs in traps and drains.
• Place liquid fats, oils and grease into a jar or container and dispose in the trash. Wipe down greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing in the sink or dishwasher.
• Use a strainer over the drain in your sink, tub and shower. Then empty the collected material into the garbage.
• Keep your clean outs exposed so that your pipes can be inspected and maintained.

Don'ts

• Flush so-called "flushable" wipes. They do not break down and can cause blockages in pipes and pump stations.
• Flush kitty litter, diapers, soiled rags, sanitary napkins, dental floss, q-tips, razor blades, paper towels, surgical bandages, syringes, pharmaceutical products, cigarette butts.
• Pour fats, oils and greases from cooking down the drain.
• Pour paint, engine oil, pesticides, or chemicals down the sink. Some hazardous materials can corrode the sewer, while other complicate the treatment process. In fact, dumping them in the sewer is illegal and could subject you to a fine.
• Pour sour milk down the sink. One liter of full cream milk has enough fat in it to cover the surface of an olympic sized swimming pool.