No Wipes in Pipes

Only flush the 3 Ps: pee, poop and toilet paper

Wipes are one of the biggest offenders when it comes to clogged pipes and broken pumps. Even wipes labeled as flushable do not break down like toilet paper and can cause problems throughout the sanitary sewer system.Beneath Hampton Roads, more than 6,500 miles of water distribution pipeline and 5,800 miles of sanitary sewer lines help keep water moving safely. Keeping wipes out of pipes helps protect that infrastructure, prevent backups and avoid costly repairs.

Why Wipes Cause Problems

Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly after it is flushed. Wipes are not. When wipes enter the sewer system, they can tangle, collect grease and debris, clog pipes and damage pumps. Those clogs can lead to service interruptions, expensive repairs and sewage backups into homes, neighborhoods or waterways.

If untreated sewage backs up into streets, it can enter storm drains and local waterways. Untreated sewage is a dangerous pollutant because it can cause sudden increases in nitrogen and bacteria, which can harm aquatic life, contribute to beach closures and lead to health warnings on local seafood consumption.

Flushable Does Not Mean Safe for Pipes

Product labeling can be misleading. Items marketed as “flushable” are regularly found in clogged pipes and broken pumps throughout the sanitary sewer system.

Flushing wipes and other trash can also lead to expensive repairs. If a clog occurs in your home plumbing, the responsibility and cost of repairs fall to you. If a clog occurs in the municipal sewer line, repair costs could be passed on to users through higher utility fees.

What Belongs in the Trash

The best way to prevent wipe-related clogs is simple: do not flush wipes of any kind. Put them in the trash instead.

Do not flush:

Baby wipes or personal hygiene wipes, even if they are labeled flushable
All-purpose cleaning wipes, even if they are labeled flushable
Facial tissues
Paper towels
Disposable diaper liners
Cotton swabs
Feminine hygiene products
Family planning products
Cat litter
Fats, oils and grease from the kitchen
Food scraps from the kitchen

Protect Your Pipes

Wipes can create problems long after they disappear from view. By keeping wipes and other trash out of the toilet, you can help prevent clogs, protect wastewater systems and keep untreated sewage out of local waterways.

Learn More About What Not To Flush

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