Preventing Sewer Backups

By knowing what should not go down the drain or flushed YOU can help the community save money and prevent overflows. Check out the information below to learn about common household items that cause blockages and backups in the sewer that should go in the trash instead. Then, learn about items that you may not have known contain mercury that should be disposed of as household hazardous waste.

Cease the Grease!

Wipes Clog Pipes

Throw Away Used Wipes in the trash

Many things you would expect to dissolve do not, such as:

  • Flushable wipes
  • Baby wipes
  • Cleaning wipes
  • Cloth rags
  • Industrial wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Sponges
  • Toilet scrubbers/wands

Other items that can commonly cause problems include:

  • Kitty litter
  • Latex items
  • Dental floss
  • Plastics
  • Diapers
  • Bandages
  • Medicines & syringes
  • Clothing
  • Cigarette butts
  • Toilet seat shields
  • Paint
  • Menstrual Products

These items get stuck in sewer pipes and sewer pumping equipment.

Basically, only toilet paper should go down the drain!

How sewer blockages affect your home

Hiring a plumber to unclog your private sewer line typically costs $75 to $350. These costs do not include the time it takes to clean up the sewage that may have backed up or the time spent calling and waiting for a plumber. Please, share this information with everyone who cleans your home or business.

How Sewer Blockages Affect the Environment

The Cause

  • The start of a blocked pipe begins when grease and solids collect on the top and sides of the pipe's interior.
  • The build-up increases over time when grease and other debris are washed down the drain.
  • Excessive accumulation will restrict the flow of wastewater and can result in a sanitary sewer overflow.
  • For more information, view this diagram showing the effects of sewer blockage (PDF).

The Process

  • Grease and solids accumulate and block the flow of wastewater.
  • Wastewater backs up in maintenance holes, sewer cleanouts, and even home plumbing.
  • Sanitary sewer overflows occur and expose untreated wastewater to humans, animals, and the environment.