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Flushable? Think Again: Protecting Clinton’s Pipes Starts with You
The City of Clinton is urging residents to think twice before flushing anything other than toilet paper. Despite the “flushable” label, wipes of all kinds—including baby wipes, makeup remover wipes, and cleaning wipes—are a major culprit behind costly clogs and sewer backups in our community’s infrastructure.
What Happens When You Flush a Wipe?
Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to quickly break down in water, wipes do not disintegrate. Instead, they stay intact and accumulate in sewer lines, pumps, and treatment facilities. The result? Major blockages that can lead to backups in homes, expensive repairs, and environmental spills.
This is a real image from our local sewer system. What you’re seeing is the buildup of “flushable” wipes that didn’t break down—clogging pipes and threatening system-wide damage.
What NOT to Flush:
To protect your pipes (and your wallet), never flush the following items:
“Flushable” wipes of any kind
Paper towels and tissues
Diapers
Feminine hygiene products
Dental floss
Cat litter
Cotton balls or swabs
Medications
Trash ’Em, Don’t Flush ’Em!
The Other Culprit: F.O.G. (Fats, Oils, and Grease)
Equally damaging to our sewer system is what goes down the kitchen drain. Fats, oils, and grease (F.O.G.) may seem harmless when hot, but once they cool, they harden and cling to pipe walls—creating thick blockages that attract more debris and eventually cause overflows.
Simple Steps to Prevent F.O.G. Clogs:
After cooking, pour used grease into a can or jar and let it cool.
Once solidified, dispose of it in the trash.
Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before rinsing.
Scrape food scraps into the trash instead of the sink.
Never pour grease down the drain, even with hot water or soap.
Cool It. Can It. Trash It. This simple habit helps protect our water systems and prevent costly plumbing problems.
Help Us Protect Clinton’s Infrastructure
Our Public Works crews are working hard to maintain clean, functional sewer systems—but they can’t do it alone. Your everyday habits make a big difference.
Let’s work together to keep Clinton clean, safe, and clog-free. When in doubt, throw it out!