UnFlushables - How to Prevent Plugged Sewer Service

There are many things we assume are flushable that are harmful to the sewer system and may cause plugs and/or backups. Here are some links about how to prevent plugged sewer service lines:

• The three P's are the only thing to go down your toilet (Pee, poo and toilet paper) - an entertaining and beautiful site about unflushables. 
• Did you know that 'flushable' wipes are unflushable?
• Common items that clog the toilet  - a cool comic about unflushables called the 'Epic Poo Race' (hint - hair is one of them).

Water Conservation

The town has a water conservation bylaw that was created help conserve the use of water and encourage water conservation strategies in drought conditions. Additional water use during the summer months is estimated at about 50%, most of which is unnecessary. The purpose of this bylaw is to try and save water that will help to alleviate the demand placed on the water system and reduce the impact of drought on the water supply. 

Tips for Water Conservation

• Conserving water doesn't have to be difficult. Using the 4 R's of water conservation will reduce the amount of water your household is using.
  • Reduce: Look for ways to use less water by becoming conscious of the amount you use and the amount you need.
  • Retrofit: Place running toilets and fixtures with more water efficient models or retrofit your existing appliance with water saving devices
  • Repair: Fix those current leaks. Most leaks are easily fixed by a simple task
  • Reuse: Rather than running a tap to rinse or clean vegetables or dishes, try filling a basin or your sink to prevent unused water from being wasted. Rain water runoff is a great source for outdoor lawn, garden, and flowerbed watering.

Please visit the Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Department for more information on water conversation in our province. 

Finding Leaks

A good practice to get into the habit of is to take a walk around your home to checking for leaks. 

Water Meter

Use your water meter to help determine leaks. Record your meter reading in the late evening and again in the early morning or before and after any long period where there is no water use. If the meter dial has moved while there is no water being used, there is a leak somewhere. 

Laundry Room

Do you ever hear that annoying water trickle when all the taps are turned off? If you are having trouble locating the source a good place to start might be the laundry room. Some older-style laundry tub taps have tubing that connects to the floor drain. Water should only trickle through the drain when the tap is turned on. A worn washer can allow the water to continue to flow to the floor drain and be the source of a leak. 

Toilet

Toilets are famous for their hidden leaks, they can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day, undetected. A great way to test your toilet for leaks is to use food coloring. Place some food coloring in your toilet’s holding tank and wait for 15 to 30 minutes. If the food coloring shows up in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak. 

Water Softener

Defective or older water softeners have been known to malfunction, causing excessive water use. Set the timer on your softener so you are aware of when it should be running. If you hear it at other times it may be operating unnecessarily and require maintenance.

Oldman Watershed Council

We are proud members of the Southern Alberta Water Charter

The Oldman Watershed Council (OWC) is a not-for-profit organization in Southern Alberta, Canada. We are one of 11 Watershed Advisory and Planning Councils in Alberta, mandated by the provincial government to provide an independent voice for watershed management and health under the Province's Water For Life strategy.