T-shirts Used as Toilet Paper Clog California City's Sewers

March 24, 2020

Some California residents have cut up t-shirts to use as toilet paper as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) toilet paper shortage continues

According to wastewater management officials in Redding, California, the toilet paper shortage led some people to use shredded T-shirts in the absence of toilet tissue. 

As a result, one of the city's sewer lines backed up at a lift station, which could have led to a dangerous spill. Workers had to take quick action to avoid this, reported USA Today.

"The pumps were clogged by what appeared to be shredded T-shirts that were used in place of toilet paper," said the city. "Bag it. Don't flush it."

Mike Saia, from Charleston Water System in South Carolina, issued a warning about what goes into the toilet, asserting that anything other than toilet paper can cause sewage backup in homes. Paper towels, facial tissues, wipes and disinfecting wipes are also not flushable.

According to the city's wastewater department, it is crucial not to clog sewage systems during the COVID-19 emergency.

The wastewater crew responded by removing the cut-up T-shirts to unblock the line. Following this, city workers went to the area to put out door hangers that reminded residents about what can and can't be flushed down toilets, reported USA Today.

Sewer backups can cause fecal matter to back up into showers, toilets and sinks. This problem can not be able fixed quickly when some people are self-quarantined, reported Redding Record Searchlight.

"Wastewater Management was able to avert a spill but is concerned about the larger environmental and health ramifications presented by this backup,” the city added.

Many products falsely claim to be flushable, such as baby wipes, but they can cause clogs.

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Cristina Tuser