Wet Wipes Also known as 'flushable' wipes, wet wipes cause millions of dollars in damage to infrastructure in the United States each year. These wipes can mix with fats, oils and grease in plumbing and create large sewer blocks. Wipes are often marketed as a good alternative to toilet paper but, in fact, wet wipes or “flushable” wipes are wreaking havoc on sewer systems. It's a common misconception that wipes break down like traditional toilet paper. They do not! Since the wipes do not break down, crews may be required to unclog pipes and pumps as well as replace and upgrade machinery. Wipes are found in many varieties such as baby wipes, personal care wipes, cleaning and dusting wipes, all-purpose wipes and even make-up remover wipes. All of these products should be placed in the trash when you are done using them instead of flushing them down the toilet. Several water utilities in the region collaborated on a fun public information campaign to teach people what NOT to put down the drain: https://protectyourpipes.org/ Help protect your household pipes and ours by keeping wipes out of the toilet. For more information on how to take care of your pipes, visit Loudoun Water’s website: https://www.loudounwater.org/residential-customers/what-keep-out-your-drain |