What Not To Flush

March 27, 2020 09:00 AM
 

The Town of Schererville Waste Water Treatment Plant would like to bring to your attention a problem that we are experiencing at many of our sewage pump stations within the sewer district. These pump stations are designed to take away all the wastewater from sinks and baths as well as toilet paper and human waste flushed down toilets.

At times we experience failures at these pump stations from clogged pumps. This has caused emergency maintenance calls in order to maintain sewer service to your homes. You may have noticed us working at all hours of the day and night at these stations. In close examination of the material causing these system failures it appears to be a type of cleaning wipe, diaper liner, or industrial grade paper towel.

This is where we need your help, understanding and cooperation. The only thing you should ever flush down the toilet is human waste and toilet paper, remember only flush the 3 P’s: Pee, Poop & Paper. All other items should go into the trash.

Here is a list of some of the items that should never be flushed down your toilet:

  • Bags/wrappings and cardboard
     
  • Band-aids and bandage wrappers
     
  • Cleaning wipes
     
  • Condoms, cotton balls, swabs and pads
     
  • Dental floss and teeth whitening strips
     
  • Disposable diapers, nursing pads, baby wipes and facial wipes
     
  • "Flushable" Wipes
     
  • Hair
     
  • Kitchen grease
     
  • Kitty litter
     
  • Mini, maxi pads, tampons and applicators
     
  • Motor oil, anti-freeze, paint or any other chemicals
     
  • Needles and sharps
     
  • Paper towels
     
  • Prescription or over the counter medications

Any solid matter that you put down your toilet or drain has the potential to cause a blockage in the public sewer or your own private sewer drain. Repairing or just cleaning any of these systems is costly and especially frustrating if caused by flushing substances that the system is not designed for and cannot process. Please, if it is on this list put it in your trash, do not flush it. Following this guide will prevent the unnecessary repairs and maintenance that has plagued your subdivision pumps increasing their reliability and life expectancy.

 

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