Plumbing Protection in the Time of COVID-19

April 17, 2020
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a bathroom
In the midst of COVID-19, people are running out of toilet paper and resorting to other alternatives that could harm the sewer system. Pima County Wastewater officials say they are starting to see items that can clog pipes and the community's sewer systems. Even items that are labeled flushable or disposable can cause problems. Flushing items other than toilet paper could cost homeowners a hefty plumbing bill or even damage water pumps and end up costing taxpayers to have them repaired. Only flush toilet paper down the toilet. Throw all other items in the trash. Wastewater officials want to get the message out before there's a big problem in our community.
 
Here are a couple of ideas that might help conserve toilet paper and alleviate stress on Arizona's wastewater management system.
  • Discard baby wipes, or other non-flushable items in a covered sanitary bin instead of flushing--change bags daily.
  • Consider cutting up old t-shirts or other soft fabrics for urine cleanup, placing them in a covered sanitary bin to be washed in heavy duty detergent.

Click here for a list of non-flushable items

A list with additional non-flushable items
(courtesy of plumbinginformer.com)