The Board of Directors for Ricewood Municipal Utility District (the District) would like to take a moment to remind residents of the importance of maintaining a clean sanitary sewer system. When “non-flushable” items such as wipes, oil, and grease make their way down toilet commodes, damage and clogs can occur. These clogs can cause home plumbing problems and sewage backups, creating excessive maintenance costs to residents. Additionally, damage can occur within the District wastewater treatment facilities, producing elevated repair costs to the District.
It is not always comfortable to discuss bathroom issues, specifically, toilet do's and don'ts. However, it is important to remember that there are some things that are meant to be flushed down the toilet… and some things that are not.
What about "flushable wipes"?
Despite their claim to be "flushable", these wipes are indeed "not flushable". Toilet paper is made to disintegrate when it is flushed. Wipes, on the other hand, are not made to disintegrate when flushed. Wipes clog pipes and cause damage to the sanitary collection system and wastewater treatment plants. It is better to be safe than sorry. For best practices, throw used wipes into the trash can.
Patty Potty helps folks to be informed about such issues. The following informational videos help to illustrate the dangers of flushing “flushable wipes”:
Patty Potty’s Not so Flushable wipes Demonstration
Patty Potty – No Wipes in the Pipes!
For more information, check out this information provide by TakeCareofTexas.org
What else should not be flushed? According to Better Homes & Gardens, the following items should never be flushed:
- "Flushable" Wipes
- Paper Towels & Tissues
- Too Much Toilet Paper
- Cotton Balls, Rounds, or Swabs
- Feminine Products
- Dental Floss
- Hair
- Bandages
- Medications & Other Hazardous Materials
- Cigarette Butts
- Fats, Oils, or Grease (FOG should be discarded within sealed containers and into the trash)
- Kitty Litter
While they may seem miniscule, these items can clog the drains and cause damage that could be expensive to repair. Residents can help save their resources and that of the District by only flushing toilet paper. After all, one wouldn't want to inadvertently throw money down the drain!
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