Coronavirus Wilton: Beware When Flushing TP Alternatives

WILTON, CT — The outbreak of the new coronavirus may have created an indirect (and bizarre) shortage of toilet paper, but make sure you dispose of whatever you're using as a TP substitute differently from your regular Scott 2-ply.

That's the message from the Wilton Town Engineer's Office, who are asking all residents to avoid flushing "toilet paper alternatives" like wet wipes or paper towels down the toilet, whether they are on Town sewer or a private septic system. Instead, these items should be deposited in the trash.

Flushing these products could damage a home's septic system, clogging the septic tank and causing wastewater to back up into the home, according to a press release from the Town. For those on Town sewer, these products could also create a blockage of sewage infrastructures including sewer mains and sewer pump stations.

According to a post on the Facebook page of the Town of South Windsor's Public Works Department, that municipality has seen pumps at four of its 11 pump stations clog up due to sanitizing wipes and paper towels.