Think Before You Sink

Think Before You Sink: Protect Edson's Pipes and Prevent Sewer Backups

Did you know that what you put down your drain or flush down your toilet could affect your entire neighborhood? Recently, our Town of Edson crews had to clear a blocked sewer mainline, resulting in a backup that affected a local home. The cause? Non-flushable items like wipes and paper towels, along with grease buildup, created a major blockage that was completely avoidable.

Why This Matters:

Sewer backups are not only inconvenient and costly to fix, but they can also cause significant damage to homes, public infrastructure, and the environment. When residents flush improper items like wipes, paper towels, or pour grease down the drain, it leads to blockages that impact the entire sewer system.

In this recent case, large amounts of non-flushable items combined with grease clogged a mainline, leading to a serious backup. Fortunately, our hardworking crews were able to respond quickly, but this incident serves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing these avoidable problems.

What You Can Do to Help:

It’s easy to protect Edson’s sewer system by following a few simple guidelines:

1. Only Flush the 3 P’s: The only things that should ever go down your toilet are Pee, Poop, and (Toilet) Paper. Even products labeled as “flushable,” such as wipes, can cause major issues in the sewer system.

2. Dispose of Grease Properly: After cooking, let fats, oils, and grease cool down, then scrape them into a container and throw them in the garbage. Never pour them down the sink! Over time, grease solidifies in pipes and creates stubborn blockages.

3. Use the Trash for Non-Flushables: Items like wipes, paper towels, sanitary products, and diapers should always go in the trash, not the toilet. Even if they seem small, they can accumulate and block our sewer pipes.

The Impact on Our Community:

When blockages happen, the consequences can extend beyond your home. Sewer backups can cause flooding, unpleasant odors, and costly repairs—not to mention the time and resources our crews need to fix the problem. By being mindful of what you flush or pour down your drains, you can help prevent these issues and keep our town running smoothly.

Have Questions?

If you’re unsure about what’s safe to flush or pour down the drain, feel free to reach out to our Utilities Department for more information. Together, we can keep Edson’s water and sewer systems flowing smoothly.

Stay tuned for more updates and tips from the Utilities Department as we work to keep Edson's sewer system safe and clean!