Think Before You Flush

Think Before You Flush: Help Prevent Sewer Clogs

Every few months, our crews have to pull out sewer lift station pumps clogged by things that should NEVER have been flushed.

What CAN be flushed?

• Human waste
• Toilet paper

What CANNOT be flushed:

• "Flushable" wipes (they're not really flushable)
• Paper towels, tissues, or napkins
• Rags or cleaning cloths
• Feminine hygiene products
• Cotton swabs, floss, or hair
• Diapers or baby wipes
• Socks, underwear, or any clothing (yes, really)
• Anything that isn’t human waste or toilet paper

Why it matters:

• These items clog pipes and pumps, leading to costly repairs.
• It can cause sewer backups—into your home or your neighbor's.
• Crews waste time pulling out clogged pumps instead of doing other important work.

The images shown are examples of similar sewer clogs. While not taken from our own system, they accurately represent the kinds of blockages we are dealing with.

Help keep our sewer system running smoothly. Think before you flush!