Because our sewers are underground, we often forget they exist and assume they will always work, no matter what. It’s important to remember, sewer maintenance is a shared responsibility and the things we send down our sewer impact how well they work for us.

We have several specially trained crews that maintain sewers, and you can learn more about this work by visiting our sewer page. To help keep your sewer plumbing flowing, here are helpful tips.

• Only three things go in your toilet: pee, poop and toilet paper.
• Never flush wipes of any kind, cat litter, cigarette butts, condoms, cotton balls and swabs, dental floss, fats, oils or grease, paper towels, medication, tampons and sanitary products and tissues.
• Even if something says it is flushable, they clog our pipes. “Flushable” wipes are a growing hazard to public health, causing sewer backups and overflows. “Flushable” does not mean biodegradable. If you use wipes, dispose of them in the trash.
• Pour or scrape greasy food waste into an empty can or jar. Allow grease to cool in the container before throwing it in the trash. Do not pour fats, oil or grease down drains or garbage disposals.
• Wipe grease off cookware and utensils with a paper towel before washing.
• Do not rinse off oil with hot water.
• Mix liquid vegetable oil with absorbent material, such as cat litter or coffee grounds before throwing it in the trash.
• Clean drains—use baking soda, vinegar and hot water.
• Choose eco-friendly cleaning agents.
• Start a compost pile.