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City & County: No Wipes in the Pipes!

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BRADENTON – This week, the utility departments of both the City of Bradenton and Manatee County again pleaded with residents not to flush anything down their toilets but standard toilet paper. Despite marketing claims that suggest "flushable wipes" can safely be disposed of in pipes and sewage systems, municipalities all over the U.S. have run into costly problems associated with the products.

"Wipes, tissues, paper towels and other products simply shouldn't go down the drain," a press release from Manatee County explained. "Even though labeled flushable, wipes and other products don't break down in pipes and in the county's wastewater system. Once in the wastewater system, they can combine into massive clumps, clogging the pumps that move wastewater from a home to the treatment plant."

While these products may be "biodegradable," the City of Bradenton explained that they do not break down nearly fast enough to avoid causing problems as they attempt to move through sewage systems.

Clogged pumps can lead to failure, which then leads to expensive and time-consuming repairs and an increased chance of wastewater back-ups, either in homes or onto the street. Sanitary sewer overflow can cause damage to property and harm humans, animals and the environment, according to the county.

Blockages in pipes in the home and on the property can leave homeowners with very costly repairs too, especially older pipes that may have grease build-up, roots or other obstructions already present.

Residents are reminded to never flush the following items:
  • Disinfecting/surface wipes
  • Mop or "Swiffer“ type refills
  • Baby wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Jewelry wipes
  • Pet care wipes
  • Cosmetic wipes
  • First Aid wipes
  • Disposable diapers or diaper liners
  • Bio-pads (nursing home, home health care, etc.)
  • Cotton swabs
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Toilet cleaning pads
  • Any moist type towelettes
  • Any consumer item that is not toilet paper

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