What can happen if I put prohibited items down the drain?

Flammable liquids release vapors that can travel up service lines, through dry floor drains to a source of ignition, such as a water heater, to cause an explosion.  Acids can attack and destroy pipes.  Toxins, along with flammables and acids, can harm the treatment plant bacteria, resulting in poorly cleaned wastewater.  They can also endanger building occupants, the public or Town workers through fume exposure.  Solids and grease will contribute to clogging both service lines and sewer mains to produce backups and can interfere with operations at the treatment plant.  All hazardous material can be taken to the Recycling Center for proper disposal.

Show All Answers

1. Why should I care what goes down the drain?
2. How do I report a sewer overflow?
3. How can I prevent sewer overflows?
4. What can happen if I put prohibited items down the drain?
5. What’s OK for households to discharge?
6. I have a restaurant. How can I control grease in my wastewater?
7. My restaurant has a grease interceptor, what should I do to maintain it?
8. Why is there a sewer odor in my building?
9. What causes a sewer back up?
10. Where is the Town's Wastewater Plant located?
11. How do wastewater treatment plants work and why are they important?