News Flash

Roseville’s utility crews have responded to an influx of incidents of backed-up sewer pipes as a result of wipes and other paper products being flushed down toilets and causing clogs.

“The only paper product safe to flush is toilet paper,” says Roseville Public Works Director Jesse Freihammer.

The manufacturer’s packaging often labels these items “flushable,” but these paper products cause sewer backups and jam up sewer pumps.

Products to avoid flushing include: 

• Personal hygiene wipes 
• Baby wipes 
• Disinfectant cleaning wipes 
• Toilet cleaning pads 
• Feminine hygiene products  
• Paper towels  

“These products do not break down. You only want to flush products that dissolve as soon as it hits the water, and the only product that does that is toilet paper,” Freihammer said.

Other paper products should be placed in the trash for safe disposal. 

If residents are experiencing a sewer backup, please call a private plumber and Roseville Utility Department at 651-792-7004 during regular business hours or 651-767-0640 after business hours. A City worker will check the City’s main sewer to see if it is working properly and notify you of its condition. 

The City conducts 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. Residents can help prevent backups by deposing of all products other than toilet paper in trash receptacles. 

The City is responsible for repairs on the main sewer line. The homeowner 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 still be responsible to pay the plumber for visiting your property.

The City recommends that homeowners review their homeowner’s insurance policy. Most policies do not cover sewer backups. Additional coverage including sewers can typically be added for a couple hundred dollars a year.