The packaging might say “flushable” but don’t believe it. Baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, paper towels or anything other than toilet paper should not go down your toilet.
Roseville’s utility crew knows firsthand what a mess they can leave behind. When the utility crew gets a call about backed up sewers, they often find balls of baby wipes, toilet cleaning pads, hygiene products and paper towels matted together. It turns out that flushable products shouldn’t be flushed. They don’t break down like toilet paper. They can collect in the sewer lines, especially in older pipes that may have cracks, grease, roots or other obstructions that can cause backups.
Roseville’s utility crew does regular maintenance on the city’s sewer lines. Every city-owned sewer main is cleaned with a high pressure water jet at least every three years.
Before calling a private plumber, Roseville residents should call the Utility Department at 651-792-7004 during regular business hours or 651-767-0640 after business hours when having trouble with toilets or drains. A city worker will check the main sewer to see if it is working properly and notify you of its condition.
The city is responsible for repairs on the main sewer line. The property owner is responsible for sewer repairs from the home to the main sewer line. If you call a plumber and later find the problem is in the main sewer line, you will be responsible to pay the plumber for visiting your property.
The City of Roseville recommends that homeowners review their homeowner’s insurance policy. Most policies do not cover sewer backups. Extra coverage costs about $100 per year for the average priced home in Roseville.