Preventing Sewer Backups

The City has noticed an increased amount of non-flushable items in the sewer lines, which can lead to sewer issues. It may seem okay to flush paper towels, napkins, and other items down the drain. However, these materials are not meant to be flushed into the sewer. Community Services staff advises residents to be mindful about what they flush down their toilets.

Single-use wipes may be labeled as "flushable," but that does not mean they disappear when they are flushed down the toilet. If flushed, baby wipes, cleaning wipes, personal hygiene wipes, and similar items can block toilets and pipes. These items also accumulate within sewer pumps causing equipment failures and sewer overflows. This is such a widespread problem that water organizations from around the world, including the Sanitation Districts, are calling for changes in the manufacturing of wipes and re-labeling of all single-use wipes as "non-flushable" until safer standards are developed.

Protect your house and the sewer system by disposing of the following items in a trash can, regardless of whether the label says they are "flushable."

• Disinfecting wipes
• Baby wipes
• Towelettes
• Feminine products
• Paper towels
• Diapers
• Dental floss
• Mop refills
• Kitty litter
• Disposable toilet bowl wands

Please call Community Services at (909) 399-5431 with any questions or visit: https://www.lacsd.org/services/wastewater-sewage/preventing-sewer-backups/guidelines-to-prevent-sewer-backups