Wipes Clog Pipes

Wipes Clog Pipes

There are a variety of products on the market that are advertised as a better cleaning experience when compared to traditional toilet paper. While wipes are marketed in a variety of ways, such as "septic-safe," "breaks down like toilet paper "or "safe for sewer and septic," these products do not break down when flushed.

Flushing wipes can lead to costly blockages in homes, businesses, and wastewater systems, ultimately leading to sewer overflows and pollution in creeks and the ocean. Wipes can also cause blockages in private sewer laterals, especially in older pipelines that may have grease, roots, and/or other existing obstructions.

Generally, sewer systems work on a gravity or downhill system. However, some areas in the City run on a pump system. While a wipe will eventually break down over time, it will not break down fast enough before entering a pumping station within City's sewer system and causing damage.

Protect your property and our community's infrastructure by throwing alternative cleaning products in the trash and only flushing the 3 Ps: pee, poo, and paper. Learn more about what to flush.