09/10/2025
“Flushable” wipes are NOT flushable!
We are here to address a significant and costly issue affecting our community's sewer and plumbing systems: the flushing of wipes and other non-flushable items. This is an educational and proactive measure to prevent expensive and unpleasant clogs for everyone.
Even if a product is labeled "flushable," it is not safe to put down your toilet. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to disintegrate quickly, these wipes are made from resilient materials that do not break down in water. Instead, they combine with grease and other debris to form stubborn clogs that damage household plumbing and the larger sewer infrastructure.
The consequences of flushing wipes include:
Property damage: Blockages in your private sewer lateral can cause raw sewage to back up into your home through toilets, sinks, and drains.
High repair costs: The homeowner is responsible for repairs to their private sewer line. Clearing these clogs can be costly and disruptive.
Community-wide issues: When wipes enter the municipal sewer system, they can clog public pumps and mains, driving up maintenance costs that are ultimately paid by residents.
To protect your plumbing and our community's sewer system, please remember:
The only items that should ever be flushed down the toilet are human waste and toilet paper.
All other wipes—including disinfecting wipes, facial towelettes, and baby wipes—belong in the trash.
This also applies to paper towels, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, and cotton swabs.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our plumbing systems running smoothly. By disposing of these items properly, we can avoid preventable clogs, costly repairs, and potential health hazards.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Katie Trobaugh, Superintendent
City of Kokomo Wastewater Treatment Plant
