Collinsville Urges Residents To Stop Flushing Wipes To Protect Sewer System

Recent heavy rains have put additional strain on Collinsville’s sewer system, with one major culprit being wipes.

The City of Collinsville’s Water Distribution Department is urging residents to avoid flushing wet wipes, baby wipes, makeup removal wipes, and similar products down the toilet, despite what some packaging claims.

Why Wipes Are a Problem

Though they are often labeled as "flushable," wipes can cause serious damage to plumbing and sewer systems. Unlike toilet paper, which dissolves quickly in water, wipes are more durable and cloth-like, making them prone to causing blockages.

Sewer pipes often bend and curve before connecting to the main septic or city sewage system. Wipes are prone to snagging on these bends, leading to clogs that can disrupt the entire system. Because wipes hold their structure, they can sometimes form clumps that can block pipes, toilets, and sewage systems.

Once wipes reach a sanitation facility, they can jam pumps, block filters, and obstruct vents, disrupting operations and causing costly repairs. Even "flushable" wipes often fail to break down quickly enough to prevent these issues.

What Shouldn’t Be Flushed?

1. Baby wipes
2. Sanitary napkins
3. Paper towels
4. Facial tissues
5. Tampons
6. Wet wipes, even those labeled "flushable"