Household Wipes Clog Sewer Pipes

Many household cleaning products are labeled and marketed as disposable, but that doesn’t mean they should be flushed down the toilet. 

These types of items include:

• Disinfecting wipes
• Baby wipes
• Mop refills
• Paper towels
• Towelettes

The problem with these products is that they don’t dissolve once they are flushed. Instead, they clog the private pipes that extend between homes and the sewer in the street, which can cause expensive, time-consuming repairs for the homeowner. On a larger scale, these products also get tangled up and stuck in public sewer pipes and pump station equipment that lead to sewer backups. Save yourself and the wastewater utility from pain in the drain – dispose of wipes, rags and towels in the trash, not in the toilet.

For more information, contact Shane Hart at 503.786.7679 or harts@milwaukieoregon.gov.