Release Date: April 7,2020

The City of Akron Reminds Residents Not to Flush “Flushable” Wipes

Akron, Ohio, April 7, 2020 – The City of Akron and the Akron Waterways Renewed! Program would like to remind residents that wipes and other products which advertise themselves as “flushable” are not flushable, and should not be placed in toilets or down drains. Nothing except toilet paper (and human waste) should be flushed.

As residents are heeding the State of Ohio Stay-at-Home Order, and spending more time at home, officials recommend they take extra care in what they are flushing down their toilets. In addition to creating issues within the wastewater reclamation system, flushing non-flushable items could cause issues for households. Clogs from wipes can occur within the home’s pipes and cause backups, which could require professional help to rectify.

"Wipes and other items do not break down like toilet paper, which can clog your pipes, the City’s pipes, or work their way to the Water Reclamation Facility causing operational problems," said Chris Ludle, Director of Public Service.

Other items which can cause clogged pipes are Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG). FOG can stick to the sides of pipes and start to build up over time, causing blockages in the system. Blockages of any kind can result in pipes bursting, backups or overflows into local waterways.

Officials have made the following recommendations:

Only human waste and toilet paper should ever be flushed. Wipes should always be disposed of in the garbage.
Do not pour fats, oils and/or grease down the drain. Don’t rely on your garbage disposal and sink drain to get rid of the grease.
Use a paper towel or napkin to remove greasy leftovers from pots and dishes prior to washing in the sink or dishwasher.

“These may seem like a trivial issues, but they can cause very serious problems. By following the recommendations and guidelines put out by experts, we can keep our pipes clear and moving. When we all follow these rules, we all benefit from a clean and efficient sewer system,” Ludle added.

Akron serves about 96 square miles with an estimated population of 330,000. Neighboring communities served include Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Springfield, Mogadore, Lakemore, Tallmadge, Fairlawn, Copley, Bath, & Montrose. To find out more about Akron’s Water Reclamation Services please click here.