Wipes Clog Pipes
GRF Service Maintenance reports a growing incidence of blocked sewer pipes in the community, largely due to flushable wipes. That’s because most wipes labeled “flushable” are not biodegradable and cause major stoppages.
This was one of the main topics of discussion at the March 4 Mutual Presidents’ Council meeting, and a remedy may be in the works.
GRF Service Maintenance Facilities Manager Ruben Gonzalez told the council that even though crews routinely pull wipes out of pipes, there are so many that they are clogging sewer pumps, which necessitates expensive repairs.
This is a problem across all Mutuals and beyond (see page 2 for more information).
At the March 4 meeting, Karl Roth, the CEO of Refresh Wipes, gave a presentation to Mutual presidents about his foam product that can be sprayed on toilet tissue in lieu of using wipes.
This foam turns toilet paper into a truly flushable wipe. Mutual presidents are looking at ways to bring the product to Leisure World, possibly through Purchasing, the Copy & Supply Center, and directly to the Mutuals.
A Mutual committee was formed to further explore the possibilities. In the meantime, residents can help keep sewer lines clear of non-flushable or grindable items (in garbage disposals) to ensure a stoppage-free sewer system.
Toilets
Residents must not dispose of non-flushable items in toilets.
These materials do not disintegrate in water and stop up sewer lines.
Do not flush (even when marked flushable) cleaning or baby wipes, paper towels, cloth towels, any type of rags, feminine hygiene products, facial tissues and diapers. Do not flush anything other than toilet paper.
Everything else should be disposed of in the trash.
Garbage Disposal
Do not grind any of the following items as they also create sewer stoppages: Bones, carrot and potato peelings, celery and rhubarb stalks, coffee grounds, eggshells, corn cob husks, onion skins, pea pods, grease, pills, rice or any other fibrous materials.
For more information, contact Eloy Gomez, GRF safety and emergency coordinator, at (562) 431-6586, ext. 356.
—Ruth Osborn managing editor
