First, it was baby wipes. Then, it was the hand towelettes. Don’t forget those makeup remover wipes. Then, disinfecting wipes for the kitchen. Oh, and furniture wipes.

The City of Spokane Department of Wastewater Management demonstrates the relative dispersibility of various products, including toilet paper, facial tissues, cotton swabs, and kitty litter through this video.

There are so many wipes, but where do all of them go? Some of them - not an insignificant number - get flushed down toilets, where they contribute to home plumbing blockages, septic system trouble, municipal sewer overflows that can clog pipes and cause expensive and time consuming repairs for homeowners and wastewater crews. Products like wipes, fat, oil, grease, and chemicals do not dissolve; they clog pipes and cause expensive and time consuming repairs for homeowners. These products also clog public sewer pipes and pump station equipment leading to sewer backups. Save yourself from a pain in the drain and follow the tips below.

Tips to Keep Your Drains Clean & Functioning

• Remember, only wastewater, toilet tissue, and human waste belongs in your drains and into the sewer.
• Don't block the sewer: wrap up sanitary products, diapers, wet wipes, and put them in the trash.
• After cooking, fat, oil and grease should be left to cool- it can then be disposed of in the trash.
• Chemicals, solvents, engine oil and paint should be taken to Household Hazardous Waste at 201 South Morris. Call 573-581-2100 to make an appointment.