Protect your home, the sewer system, and the environment by disposing of the following items in the trash, not in the toilet or down the drain.

Wipes

Single-use wipes may be labeled as “flushable,” but that does not mean they disappear when they are flushed down the toilet. If flushed, baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, personal hygiene wipes and similar items can clog plumbing. These items also accumulate within the sewer system, causing equipment failures and sewage overflows.

This is such a widespread problem that wastewater organizations from around the world, including the Sanitation Districts, are calling for changes in the manufacturing of wipes and re-labeling of all single-use wipes as “non-flushable” until safer standards are developed.

Statement on Wipes

Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)

FOG can solidify in your plumbing or local sewer and create blockages. To avoid this, please consider the following:

• Wipe food and grease off plates/pans and place in a covered container. Dispose in the trash.
• Do not pour waste oil or cooking residue directly into your drain.

Other items that don't belong in the toilet and drains include the following:

• Condoms
• Dental floss
• Diapers
• Disposable toilet wands
• Drugs
• Feminine products (i.e., tampons)
• Kitty litter
• Mop refills
• Paper towels
• Towelettes

The following guidelines can also help prevent sewer backups.

Tree Roots

Tree roots intrude into sewer pipes through cracked or separated joints and, over time, form root balls, which can cause pipes to clog or rupture. To avoid this, please consider the following:

• Do not plant trees or shrubs near your sewer lateral.
• Consider tree species that do not grow extensive roots.
• When replacing sewer laterals, consider installing Schedule 40 ABS or PVC pipes, which have better resistance to root intrusion. Use commercially available products to remove roots and prevent re-growth of roots. Avoid products containing copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide, which are not as effective and can harm rivers and the ocean.

Backwater Valves

A backwater valve is a device installed on the piping from your home to the sewer in the street that allows sewage to flow out to the sewer and prevents sewage from backing up into your property. To help determine if your home is required to have a backwater valve installed, visit our Backup Valves page.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Acrobat Reader Windows Media Player Word Viewer Excel Viewer PowerPoint Viewer