What NOT To Flush
"Flushable" wipes do not breakdown in the sewer system like toilet paper. They are the main cause of clogs in all parts of the sewer system and wastewater treatment facility. Toilet paper is the only thing designed to breakdown in water so it doesn't cause clogs.
A toilet is not a trash can. The only things that should go in a toilet are what your body produces and toilet paper.
Other things commonly flushed that should never go in a toilet:
Tampons
Sanitary napkins
Cleaning wipes
Paper towels or napkins
Facial tissues
Cotton balls or swabs
Diapers
Condoms
Dental floss
Fats, oil and grease
Medicine
Wash cloths, towels or rags (anything cloth)
What Will Help?
To assist and extend the life of our sewer system and to prevent overflows, Michael Hemingway, Utilities Director, suggests community members to:
Limit food down the kitchen drain line to prevent buildup and blockages
Properly dispose of non-food items
Use one-ply toilet paper
Flush the sanitary sewer service line of your property
Set toilets to high volume flush to move all solids from the service line to the sewer main
To report a sanitary sewer overflow, a sewer odor, or any service-related issue, contact the Utilities Department at 843.665.3236, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. For after hours, weekends, or holidays, the aforementioned number will automatically forward to Police Dispatch, or you can contact them directly at 843.665.3191 to request the Utilities Department staff to be dispatched to your location.
This is a clogged pump from a City of Florence sewage lift station, and an all too common result of "flushable" wipes (and other things):
Medications
Wastewater treatment plants aren't designed to remove pharmaceuticals.
Keep them out of the environment by disposing of old medications in the trash. And take precautions recommended by the FDA.
