Even though cities are responsible for maintaining sewer infrastructure, community members still have a crucial role to play. If everyone does their part, they can prevent sewer overflows and blockages. Sewer overflows are dangerous because they can cause environmental pollution, property damage, and health hazards. Below are some tips you can apply in your everyday life to help keep your community safe from wastewater problems. 

Only Flush Toilet Paper and Human Waste

It may be tempting to flush different things down the toilet, but you need to exercise extreme caution when deciding what to flush. Most objects are not designed to go down a toilet, and they can cause many issues. 

Objects that should never be flushed down the toilet include:

• Tampons and other feminine hygiene products
• Diapers
• Condoms
• Cotton balls and Q-tips 
• Baby wipes
• Dental floss
• Paper Towels 
• Flushable wipes (these may say the word “flushable” on the package, but they should not be flushed. They don’t break down as fast as toilet paper and instead create a big clog)

If you are wondering whether the object you have can be flushed down the toilet, the answer is no. To protect your peace of mind and your community, only flush human waste and toilet paper.

Reduce Stormwater Runoff

Heavy rain can overwhelm sewer systems, particularly if you live in an area with combined sewer systems (stormwater and sewage share the same pipes). Homeowners can help combat overwhelmed pipes by

• Reducing water runoff by directing roof spouts into a rain barrel or a vegetated area, thus repurposing the water for your garden or landscaping
• Using permeable surfaces like gravel or grass instead of concrete as these surfaces will absorb water or save it for later use
• Keeping gutters and storm drains clear of leaves and debris to allow proper drainage.

Ensure Proper Sewer Connections 

Some homeowners may unknowingly contribute to sewer overflows by having improper sewer connections. Adding sump pumps, more downspouts, or other drainage systems can increase the amount of water flowing, thus overwhelming the sewer system and leading to problems.

To ensure you aren’t contributing to any wastewater issues, you should have everything completed or checked by a professional plumber. If you are still unsure who put together your sewer lines or if you have proper connections, you can contact your local public works department to verify that they are up to code. 

No Fats, Oils, or Grease (FOG)

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are the biggest enemies of drains, sinks, pipes, and all water systems. Never pour fats or grease down the sink. Even if you use hot water and plenty of soap, these materials can still solidify. To avoid clogging sewer lines and causing any other problems, make sure to dispose of FOG properly: collect it in a container and dispose of it in the trash or compost bin. 

Other things to avoid putting down the drain include:

• Coffee grounds
• Food scraps 
• Hazardous waste (paint motor oil, pesticides, or cleaning chemicals)
• Adhesives
• Flour
• Eggshells 

Take Care of Your Septic Tank

You may not have thought about it, but a neglected or misused septic tank can cause problems for not only you but also your community’s sewer system. A clogged or failing septic tank can cause wastewater to back up in your yard or seep into nearby waterways. A leaky or cracked one can cause sewage to flow into groundwater and possibly contaminate nearby water systems. Excessive water usage can also overwhelm a septic tank, so it doesn’t have enough time to properly process waste. 

To make sure your septic system is working properly and won’t cause issues for the local water system, make sure to pump your tank every three to five years to prevent buildup. Also, make sure to maintain your drain field and check for leaks in your tank periodically. Be smart and don’t overwhelm your system, causing it to malfunction. And if needed, call in a professional to maintain your tank. 

Work Together as a Community

The best way to prevent sewer overflows is to be a good neighbor. You can do your part and help educate people you know about proper habits and the consequences of improper waste disposal and drain usage. If you notice any issues, such as slow drainage, foul odors, or flooding in streets, you should contact your local public works department as soon as possible. 

You can also participate in local clean-up efforts, advocate for infrastructure improvements, and encourage your local government to invest in sewer system upgrades. You have the influence to help prevent sewer backups and protect your community’s water system.