COVID-19 has resulted in a shortage of toilet paper and other paper products. In response, many have identified and plan to use replacement products such as facial tissues, wipes, paper towels, napkins, cloth, newspaper, and woven towels. If you have to use one of these alternatives to toilet paper, please don’t flush it down the toilet.
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These toilet paper alternates all share one thing in common, they all can clog plumbing and the sewer system. Toilet paper is designed and intended to disintegrate in the sewer collection system and prevents blocking plumbing and sewer pipes. Wipes, paper towels, rags, diapers, cloth scraps, and other products do not disintegrate in the plumbing and sewer system and can quickly clog pipes, maybe your own sewer line. Even wipes labeled “flushable” should not be flushed. When flushed, these products clog sewers resulting in raw sewage flowing out of manholes and into homes and basements, onto the street, and into creeks and streams.
Plumbing and sewer clogs end up creating an increased health risk in the community.
The number of sewage overflows and back ups has increased since the start of the COVID-19 response. Please do your part. Only flush the 3Ps – pee, toilet paper, and poop. If you are out of toilet paper, ALL other alternatives should be put in the trash.