January 24, 2017 When the wrong thing is flushed, there can be costly sewer backups in your home or in our sanitary sewer system. Items can create blockages in pipes or damage to expensive machinery used in our waste water treatment plant. Toilets have an intended purpose and that does not include flushing the following items:Baby wipes or diapers"Flushable wipes - they're not actually flushableAquarium gravel or kitty litterSanitary napkinsRagsCotton swabs or other productsSpongesToysDisposable toilet brushesPlastic or rubber items of any kindFood wrappersClothing labelsEven if a product is labeled "flushable" that does not mean that they will break apart after being flushed like 2-ply toilet paper does. These items can accumulate and build up in sewer pipes, which can hinder flow and even cause backups that are harmful to the environment and costly to homeowners and utilities. Next time you find yourself debating about whether to flush something other than toilet paper, simply put it into the trashcan!