Feeling backed up? It could be the wipes you’re flushing

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara City Wastewater crews are busy during the pandemic dealing with sewer lines clogged with wipes. You know, the disinfecting wipes and even paper towels many people are using to kill COVID-19 around their house. Those materials should be thrown in the trash instead.

City officials say too many people are flushing those wipes down the toilet and it's causing sewer lateral backups. They've seen a substantial increase since the pandemic began.

Wastewater officials warn that these kinds of products do not breakdown and lead to backups that can cause spills and damage on private properties. If that happens and city crews have to respond it could result in a $540 charge on your utility bill and that does not include what a plumber would charge you to repair the damage on your property.

In fact, wipes recently caused a costly blockage at a multi-unit housing property on the mesa, resulting in a walking path closure and community exposure to raw wastewater, according to a media release by the Santa Barbara Wastewater Department. Even wipes that are labeled as "flushable" and "septic-safe" do not degrade in the sewer system, and, when mixed with fats, oils, and grease, can cause blockage in pipes that may result in sewer spills.

City officials are using this slogan, "wipes don't belong in pipes" and that your toilet is a "human-waste-and-toilet-paper-only-zone." They also want everyone to remember the three P's, only flush pee, poo, and paper. The paper in this case should be just toilet paper and not paper towels.

The City of Santa Maria is having similar problems. It's been running a public service announcement on TV called "Can't Flush This" based on the popular MC Hammer song U Can't Touch This.

For more information, visit the City's website at www.SantaBarbaraCA.gov.