What do you have planned for Valentine’s Day? While you shower affection on your significant other, why not extend some love to the unsung hero of your home: your plumbing.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates at least 23,000 – 75,000 sewer overflows every year in the United States, and one of the main culprits is blockages. That means a lot of clogged pipes and disgruntled homeowners. Toho’s mission is to bring you reliable and affordable water services, and efficient plumbing is a key player in keeping life running smoothly. So, before you throw yourself into romantic celebrations, take a moment to show your plumbing some love, both sinks and toilets.
When cooking your fancy Valentine’s Day dinner, make sure you’re not turning your sink into a grease trap. Instead of pouring oils, fats or grease down the drain, collect them in a can and toss them in the trash. Not only will you save your plumbing from fatbergs (giant grease blockages), but you’ll also avoid the costly repairs that come with clogged pipes.
But it’s not just sinks you need to keep happy – toilets deserve some love too. Nothing besides toilet paper and nature’s call are meant to be flushed down the toilet. Even items labeled as “flushable” or “septic safe” can wreak havoc on sewer systems. While flushable wipes can physically flush down the toilet, they take much longer to breakdown than toilet paper. Wipes can block sewer flows and get tangled up in system machinery leading to sewer overflows. This can lead to higher repair bills and worse, a blocked sewer pipe that could send your plumbing into a romantic meltdown.
Here’s a list of items you should never send down your toilet or drain:
- Wipes (Yes, even those “flushable” ones!)
- Oils, fats, grease or lard
- Feminine hygiene products
- Hygiene products
- Paper towels or cloths
- Tissues
- Diapers
- Dental floss or whitening strips
- Cat litter
- Medicines or vitamins
- Hair
- Bandages or cotton swabs
- Dairy products, sauces food scraps or baked goods
So, as you prep for your romantic day, don’t forget to shower your plumbing with some affection. Toho wishes you a happy Valentine’s Day and reminds you to love your plumbing this February.
