Coronavirus in California: Toilet paper alternatives cause sewer problems

 
Article by Yaron Steinbuch in "The New York Post":

Some desperate California residents resorted to using shredded T-shirts in the absence of toilet paper during the coronavirus crisis – but ended up wiping out a sewer line.

Wastewater management officials in Redding said workers had to take swift action to prevent a dangerous spill after the soiled fabric caused a backup.

“The pumps were clogged by what appeared to be shredded T-shirts that were used in place of toilet paper,” the city said, according to the Redding Record Searchlight.

As a result of the crappy situation, officials put out the word: “Bag it. Don’t flush it.”

Ryan Bailey, assistant director of public works, told the news outlet that a resident called Thursday to report that a toilet wasn’t working.

“Their system wasn’t working well,” Bailey said, adding that he didn’t know if the caller was the one who caused the T-shirt backup.

“It could’ve been any number of the houses on the street,” Bailey said.

Workers had to remove the T-shirt remnants to clear the blockage.

“Anything and everything is flushable, but it doesn’t mean that it’s OK to put it down the toilet,” Bailey said.

The city warned that many products are claimed to be flushable, including baby wipes, but they can still get stuck.

“Anything aside from toilet paper works to create a sewer backup, putting our larger sewer system, our water system and our community at risk for another health crisis,” according to the city.

Paper towels, tissues and napkins also should not be flushed.

“These materials do not break down in the waste stream and wreak havoc on the public wastewater system, causing line clogging, sanitary sewer overflows and severe pump damage,” Shasta Lake City Engineer Jeff Tedder said in a press release.

https://nypost.com/2020/03/20/coronavirus-in-california-toilet-paper-alternatives-cause-sewer-problems/