Flushing Common Sense: Why Toilets Aren't Trash Cans

This week, Water and Sewer Utility crews were met with an unexpected and costly challenge: a major sewer clog caused by a pair of flushed underwear. Yes, you read that right—underwear!

While it might seem unbelievable, this isn’t the first time inappropriate items have made their way into the town’s sewer system. Over the years, staff have removed everything from food wrappers and dental floss to diapers and food scraps. These items don’t break down like toilet paper and human waste, and they wreak havoc on both home plumbing and municipal infrastructure.

Crews acted quickly to remove the blockage and repair the damage, but the incident serves as a stark reminder: just because it fits down the toilet doesn’t mean it belongs there.

Flushing the wrong items can:

• Cause sewage backups into your home
• Lead to expensive plumbing repairs
• Damage wastewater treatment equipment
• Increase environmental risks
• Drive up sewer rates for everyone

What NOT to Flush:

• Wipes (even “flushable” ones)
• Dental floss
• Paper towels
• Diapers
• Condoms
• Feminine hygiene products
• Q-tips
• Hair
• Clothing (yes, really!)
• Old medicine
• Fats, oils, and grease

Only Flush the 3 Ps:

Pee, Poop, and (Toilet) Paper. That’s it.

Let’s protect our pipes, our wallets, and our environment.