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City of Everett Public Works Department 3200 Cedar Street Everett, WA 98201 [PHONE REDACTED] [EMAIL REDACTED] everettwa.gov/pw What’s clogging your drains? ---PAGE BREAK--- M iles of pipes connect your home to the Everett Water Pollution Control Facility where the City cleans wastewater and recycles the reclaimed water back to the environment. Depending on what you allow to go down your drains and toilet, you can either help or hinder the efficiency of your household plumbing and the City’s wastewater system. Everything that goes down your sinks and toilets goes into the City’s wastewater system. Things that clog your home drain can also clog the City’s wastewater system. This system is designed to handle human waste and toilet tissue which are biodegradable (or will break down biologically). Problems start when non-biodegradable materials enter the system. Two of the most common and troublesome non-biodegradable materials are grease and hair. Grease and hair remain unchanged from the time they go down the household drain or toilet. They don’t break down and tend to clog the wastewater system. The cost of maintaining the system is eventually reflected in your utility bill. Grease may even block the drain line (side sewer) from your house causing sewer backups into your home. Property owners are responsible for repairing blocked side sewers. Things that clog your home drain can also clog the City’s wastewater system. In the bathroom 1. Throw all trash in the garbage not in the toilet. This includes: • Personal hygiene products – even ‘flushable’ ones, their wrappers and applicators (both plastic and cardboard) • Baby and personal wipes – even the ‘flushable’ ones • Cotton swabs, cotton balls and cigarette filters 2. Frequently remove hair from tub, shower and sink drains and throw it in the garbage. 3. Use a drain strainer to catch hair and debris before it goes down the drain. In the kitchen 1. Scrape all food scraps into the garbage can and avoid using the garbage disposal. 2. Wipe excess grease and oil from cookware, utensils and dinnerware with paper towels, paper napkins or newspaper and dispose of in the garbage. 3. Use a drain strainer to catch debris before it goes down the drain. Preventing clogs Avoid clogs in your household plumbing and the City’s wastewater system by following these simple guidelines: