Is It Flushable?

Items that are commonly flushed down the toilet are creating blockages, jamming pumps, and causing overflows in the sewer system, leading to expensive repairs for homeowners and the District   Even products that are labeled as "biodegradable" or even "flush-able" are causing problems.  

So what are these objectionable culprits, you ask?   
According to the Water Environment Federation (WEF) none of the following should ever be flushed:

• Baby Wipes and Diapers
• Facial Tissues
• Cotton Swabs and Dental Floss
• Food Wrappers
• Syringes
• Cleaning Sponges and Disposable Toilet Brushes
• Cat Litter or Aquarium Gravel
• Feminine Hygiene Products or Contraceptives
• Fats, Oil, and Grease from Cooking

For a demonstration that shows you first-hand how these items react in your sewer system, check out this awesome video from the City of Spokane Department of Wastewater Management.

 Only human waste and toilet paper should ever swirl its way to the wastewater treatment plant.   Put everything else in the trash can.  

As soon as you notice slow-running drains you should stop using your home's drainage fixtures and investigate.  If the problem is in your property’s sewer lines, call a plumber to clear the blockage before it gets bad enough to become a backup.