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There may be a toilet paper shortage across the country but all Americans need to also know that flushing anything else down the toilet is a big “no-no,” other than toilet paper products.

The coronavirus outbreak is causing more people to flush all kinds of “inappropriate items” down the toilet. This certainly has many municipal wastewater treatment plants across the country concerned about a possible increase in clogs in the system.

Earlier in the week the City of Bridge City sent out reminders concerning the sewer system.

They warned people to not flush any items such as baby wipes, paper towels, shop towels, clothing of any kind or other items not intended to be flushed.

Toilet paper is made to break down into tiny pieces. Paper towels are created not to break apart once wet, and wipes are kind of like cloths and usually don’t break down.

Part of the problem is that some disinfectant wipes claim to be flushable on their packaging but that is not accurate. Regardless of the labeling, the only paper product that should be flushed down a toilet is toilet paper.

Flushing of those types of items can cause blockages to sewer lines and possibly the cities’ main lines or pumps resulting in sewer backups.

It can literally snag on rough spots along the sewer line and causes everything to stop right there. Sewage issues like this can cause “matter” to back up into toilets, sinks and showers. Issues that many most cities can’t deal with due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Anything aside from toilet paper works to create a sewer backup, putting larger sewer systems and communities at risk for another health crisis for humans, animals and the environment.

Items other than toilet paper should be placed in bags and can be placed with your garbage for collection.