Clogged sewage pipes are a frustration for any municipality, however it is a costly exercise when the blockage is caused by items believed to be disposable by flushing down the toilet. Such was the case recently in Elgin County, and many other municipalities are dealing with similar issues as of late due to the toilet paper shortage caused by panic buying in relation to COVID-19.
It is extremely important that everyday items such as hygiene products, wipes, cleaning materials and rubber gloves do not get flushed or poured down sewer systems. The flushing of any of these items can cause damage or blockages to your home plumbing or the City’s sewer pipes, which could result in basement flooding. It can also cause increased operation and maintenance costs for the City.
A list of items that should be kept out of our pipes includes…
To help keep the entire sewage system working well, please do not flush or put the following products down the drain:
• cleaning wipes/baby wipes – even those that say “flushable” can cause a problem – they don’t breakdown like toilet paper so they cause a lot of blockages
• hygiene products
• cleaning rags – are far too thick to be flushed
• facial tissue
• paper towels
• rubber gloves
