Last week, I opened the sewer lines (so to speak) and thought it was worth continuing this week.
I want town residents to understand how to ultimately save themselves, our businesses and the city from unnecessary expense, aggravation, wasted time and resources. Even if “your” sewer has not experienced problems, it does not mean we are not in your neighborhood dealing with what are marketed as flushable wipes.
Numerous items are marketed in a variety of ways, such as “breaks down like toilet paper.” The problem is that these items appear to take much longer to break down, as compared to traditional toilet paper. To say otherwise is more fake news.
So, what other items should you avoid flushing down your commode?
The City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services is the source for the following items. Look it up. Avoid Blockages: Never flush the following items down the toilet or pour them down a drain because they can block sewer pipes and cause sewer backups to your home or street.
• Baby wipes or other types of wipes—even if labeled or marketed as “flushable”
• Paper towels
• Mini or maxi pads, panty liners or any sanitary napkin
• Tampons and tampon applicators
• Disposable diapers
• Fats, oils or grease from cooking.
• Bandages and bandage wrappings
• Condoms
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Dental floss and dental picks
• Disposable gloves
• Facial tissue
• Face masks
• Pet poop in a plastic bag
• Cat litter – even if labeled or marketed as “flushable”
Remember, sewer backups are expensive and a threat to public health. Each of them presents a challenge to our utility by diverting resources away from other essential work.
Think – before you flush.