City issues reminder to not flush wipes and other problem items after increasing number of sewer backups

The City of Swift Current is experiencing a concerning increase in sewer main backups due to wipes, grease, and other blockages in the sewer mains – and these backups can cost homeowners and businesses thousands of dollars to repair the damage caused by raw sewage.

Did you know… even if the packaging on wipes says “flushable” they do not break down? All wipes, including those labelled flushable, as well as disinfecting wipes, cleaning wipes, facial wipes, diaper wipes – are NOT safe for flushing. These products clog the sewer lines and can damage pumps and other equipment. Blockages caused by wipes in the sewer mains can result in sewer backup into your home.

Another major culprit for sewer backups is food waste and cooking grease – pouring hot grease chased by hot water down the sink. Unfortunately, the grease cools as it reaches the sewer main, then solidifies, and clogs it up. Every home and business needs to effectively dispose of grease by collecting it, letting it solidify, and disposing of it as garbage. Grease clogs in the sewer main will grow until they close off the drainage, and raw sewage ends up backing up into your home or business.

Feminine hygiene products of any kind – even if labelled flushable – should never be flushed either. Nor should condoms, dental floss, or hair, which bind with other waste when flushed, creating large clumps that block your pipes.

“What we’re trying to accomplish is to educate the public on what doesn’t belong, what habits they need to change and what should never be flushed,” says Lee Schmidt, Manager of Water and Wastewater. “When homeowners end up with a sewer backup that destroys their basement, they have to go through their insurance for coverage. It can be very costly and destroy valuable belongings, and the City is not responsible when the backup is caused by flushing or dumping unsafe materials.”