Cotton swabs (Q-tips) and cotton balls: These absorb water, grow larger, and clump with other flushed items. Kitty litter. By their design, septic tanks will be better maintained by using only recommended items such as toilet paper. Baby wipes are designed to be durable and effective, so they are not designed to break down in a liquid solution like bleach. We use cloth diapers and we have accidently flushed down some thin cotton wipes. 2. edit: btw, this is the only time it's happenedFunny. People often flush both kinds, so it’s hard to say how many of. Flushing anything other than. Now it only emptied a 1/3 of the way. Toilet paper is the only product designed to DISINTEGRATE fully. If your toilet is clogged with paper towels, you might wonder what to do about it. 8. Anything that is deisgned specifically NOT to fall apart when it is saturated or when it gets wet should not be flushed. FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake Cleaner – 18 inch (5-Pack)The Effects of Flushing Wipes. How to Get Stuck Objects Out of Your Toilet. Remove all the remaining water from the tank and bowl. An MP is trying to make a ban on these type of wipes the law. Sewage backup can lead to unpleasant smells, property damage, and even pose health hazards to the people in the surroundings. Start by turning off the water supply to the toilet and flushing it to drain any remaining water in the bowl and tank. kunsmom. If this is the case, simply use your hands, a coat hanger, needle nose pliers or whatever you can to pull the toy out. Sewer System Damage. If you accidentally flush baby wipes down the toilet, there may be a few potential problems you could face. If you’ve accidentally flushed a washcloth down the toilet, the first thing to do is to stop flushing it right away. You should never flush food down the toilet, as it can cause serious damage to your plumbing system and lead to costly repairs. While non-woven wipes may be more likely to cause plumbing issues, any type of wipe can create blockages in your pipes. Conclusion. Here are some key points to remember: Regular cleaning: Keeping your toilet clean and free from buildup will help prevent clogs. Wet wipes or “flushable wipes” also play a large part in drain clogs. Toilet paper, regardless of type and brand, should be safe to flush into your septic system. If you decide to try this method, I advise using a plastic-coated wire hanger or bending the end of the wire hanger as the sharp metal on the end could scratch the porcelain of your toilet. yup, sure can cause a problem. If you flush a washcloth down the toilet, it will probably get stuck in the pipes. Even wipes labelled as. Because wipes don't break down in water, they can damage systems i in a home and at wastewater treatment plants. Here is our list of the most common unflushable things that people still try to flush: 1. As a general rule, you shouldn’t put anything down your camper toilet that you couldn’t flush down your toilet at home. Best certified flushable wipes: Natracare Safe to Flush. Flushing a baby wipe down the toilet may seem like a harmless act initially, but in actual fact it can have long-lasting consequences and damage your plumbing. " Plumbing experts say there's no such thing as a flushable wipe. Sanitary wipes are causing a crisis in sewer processing plants. NinjaCoder • 9 yr. mycatisnamedstitches •. Bad things will happen. Always dispose of these items in your general household waste bin. Issues with Sewage. Especially if you have a newer, low-flow (or low-flush) toilet, which consumes no more than 1. 36 comments. Flushable wipes. Another negative impact of flushing the baby wipes down the toilet is pipe blockages. The tank itself does refill. This prevents them from breaking apart easily when wiping with force, such as when scrubbing a. Turn the handle of the plumber snake in a clockwise direction to ensure that the tampon clogging the toilet is hooked to the plumber snake. This probably won’t cause large-scale sewer damage. I wouldn't use them in older homes. The majority of the sewerage system is basically thousands of miles of 6 inch plastic or clay pipes laid fairly flat. If you don't have a plunger on hand, plumber James Schuelke recommends using a toilet brush instead. edit: btw, this is the only time it's happened Funny. What happens if you flush one baby wipe? Wipes Can Clump Together and Cause a Blockage Wipes can be flushed, as long as you flush them one at a time. Homeowner said they never flush baby wipes, and up on snaking the drain we found all kinds of baby wipes. While this aspect of wipes is wonderful, their durability also makes them unsuitable to flush down. Do NOT ever flush even 1 wipe down your toilet (per my plumber). Additionally, you should never flush more than two flushable wipes at a time. This. No, you should not flush baby wipes in the toilet as they are not made from the same materials that toilet paper is and thus can cause clogging. Keep in mind, flushing anything not created by your body’s digestive system shouldn’t be flushed, since one flush on a regular flow toilet wastes 3 gallons of water. Even wipes labeled as “flushable” may not break down quickly enough. mparkinsmack • 10 mo. If you really wanna know, flush a few loads of toilet paper, enough so it'll clog if its there, but not enough that it would clog anyways and observe the results. Sometimes, a larger object won’t make it all the way down the waste pipe; using a plunger may break it free and bring it to the surface. Place the end of the auger into the toilet bowl so it points down the drain. Sometimes, a larger object won’t make it all the way down the waste pipe; using a. So my first mistake was spilling chocolate milk all over my bedside table, getting it everywhere like in the open drawer and all over my random junk in the drawer with 5 minutes to spare until I had to go do something. Alternatively, you can use a toilet auger. This will help to prevent any further damage from being done. These things do NOT dissolve and sit in your pipes. But BEWARE, sulfuric acid is dangerous. Are flushable wipes really flushableFlushing baby wipes down the toilet will either clog your home plumbing or clog machinery at a wastewater treatment plant. Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water and won’t clog your pipes if used correctly. If you’ve accidentally flushed baby wipes down the toilet once, it’s not an emergency. Contaminated Water Supply. The tank itself does refill. Contents show. If you still hear the "gurgle" or the toilet still acts as if it is about to stop up, you need to call a plumber. Had to fish it out with a coat hanger also. The Korky 99-4A Max Performance Plunger is a great option for unclogging your pipes. Drain Clog Dissolver – can be used in all the sinks in your house,. Chemical treatments do not dissolve baby wipes clogging your toilet. This baby wipe clog gathers other gunk like grease, hair and. Unfortunately, most people send these things, and more, into sewer systems, causing clogged pipes and issues with their septic tanks. ” Plumbing experts say there’s no such thing as a flushable wipe. Furthermore, flushing Clorox wipes. Baby wipes often contain plastic fibers or polyester which do not break down easily like toilet paper does. But They Just flush down the toilet and then they stay in the pipe or tank. Insert the toilet brush into the toilet bowl. Even plumbers frown at the thought of removing baby wipes from the pipes. These are much better than items such as baby wipes. Cotton swabs. Plunging the toilet with a high-grade toilet plunger. It seems they collect in a few places, and he has a route that he travels on every. To prevent clogs and issues with your plumbing, we recommend avoiding flushing all wipes and here’s why: Flushable wipes break down… slowly. No, bleach does not dissolve baby wipes. Vinegar. the second time they did it, they were sent the bill from the. Mix it up. Here are a few things you really shouldn’t flush, ever. Turn the handle clockwise to extend the auger’s cable (or “snake”) down into the drain towards your clog. Whereas some wet wipes won’t dissolve at all, flushable wet wipes will dissolve. Not sure exactly where the macerator is located. If you Flushing baby wipes down the toilet is a common mistake that can cause serious plumbing problems. justaguynumber35765 • 6 mo. Tampons, wipes, paper towels, toilet scrubbers. ran0ma • 1 yr. If the plunger doesn't work, consider using a toilet auger or a drain snake. Whether it fell from your pocket, dropped off the counter, or was tossed in by a toddler, you've probably flushed. No. This nifty gadget lines your drain and catches any rogue paper towels that may find their way down there. Don’t Flush: Despite the name, flushing flushable wipes down the toilet isn’t safe and can lead to plumbing issues and environmental harm. Anyways, if the drains are fine and the toilet flushes fine, then there's nothing you need to worry about. 3. Before attempting to retrieve the item, it is essential to assess the risks involved. You should not dissolve baby wipes in the septic tank. Huggies wipes, as well as other baby wipes, should not be flushed down the toilet. It is quite time-consuming and needs patience. i just went thru this with a tenant and baby wipes. 1. Body fluid and your tissue papers are safe in the toilet. They placed a baby wipe in one bowl of water, a Cottonelle Flushable Wipe in another and a few squares of toilet paper in a third. Carefully go as deep as you can with it. Turn the valve until the water shuts off to prevent additional overflow. Consumer advocacy group CHOICE conducted a survey to assess how Australians understand the term “flushable” in the case of wipes. Flush the toilet once and see if the water flows without a problem. I just have a simple. Some brands may be marketed as flushable, but this does not mean they will break down in sewage systems. 5, respectively. Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water and disintegrates as it travels through the plumbing. Have you ever wondered what happens when we accidentally flush baby wipes down the toilet? Well, let me tell you, it’s not a pretty sight. This has led some consumers to wonder if they can flush Clorox wipes down the toilet. Many wipes on the market are specifically labeled as non-flushable, while others claim to be “flushable” or “septic safe. ago. It has worked for me. If you have significant build up around your septic tanks filter, you could potentially face thousands of dollars in repairs. Baby wipes are not the same as toilet paper, which is why they should never be flushed down your toilet. Like flushable wipes, they do not dissolve easily in water and can cause major plumbing problems. . If the water flows away, the toilet paper roll might be flushed away. That is a complete list. Wet wipes will clog a toilet worse than paper towels, and the clogs are even. The contractor pulled out wads and wads of baby wipes that had caused a massive backup all through the house. Likewise diapers, they are similar to sanitary pads. The flushable part of a toilet is designed to send waste and toilet paper down the pipes and into the sewer. To get to it, you might have to modify the snake’s angle to get it to feed through the toilet’s internal bends. However, the problems come with time. I didn’t think anything like this would happen If the repair is expensive and he has to pay for it, I’ll feel awful. Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 294, known as the Wipes Labeling Act, which now requires manufacturers of household disposable wipes for sale in the state of Illinois to clearly label “Do Not Flush” on wipes that should not be flushed down the toilet. Not only that, but they can also wreak havoc on the sewer system, leading […]Desperate times call for drastic measures. What happens if you accidentally flush baby wipes? If you accidentally flush baby wipes, there is the potential for a clogged drain. Baby Wipes. After that, you will need to remove the toilet tank lid, and then use a pair of pliers to unscrew the. Step3 – Leave for 2. The episode of 9-1-1 in which a baby gets flushed down the toilet is Season 3, Episode 15, titled “Monsters”. Hello, if the baby wipe makes it all the way to the city sewer line of course, it is not a problem. Carefully pour about 3 quarts (2. Conclusion. While you may not experience a clog the first time you flush a tampon. Do not flush the following: Kleenex and other facial tissues. Wastewater Treatment Services of Texas says diapers won’t break down in the water. Put a flushable wipe and a piece of toilet paper in water for an hour. if it gets hung up on a tree root or other snag in your plumbing system. Try a plunger to create suction and move the wipe back into the toilet trap; Use a drain snake if the Kleenex is too far down the toilet drain; Consider using a wet vacuum if possible; Remove the toilet to retrieve the wipe if you are worried about its negative effects. 2 How Long Do Baby Wipes Take to Clog a Toilet? 1. Are flushable wipes really flushable Flushing baby wipes is very likely to cause nasty toilet clogs. A better alternative is the Hand Bidet Sprayer which lets you wash with water. 1. The result can be smelly, gross and costly. Proper Disposal Method. 2. This should dissolve the tissues a lot easier. What should I do if I accidentally flushed down the toilet? First, try using a plunger to see if gentle pressure is enough to bring the object into view. Before we even tried to flush after tha. So imagine printer paper, or even card stock, if it. This can lead to a serious plumbing issue that could require costly repairs or even a full plumbing system replacement. The bristles and the shape of the toothbrush can get stuck in the pipes, causing a blockage. No, Pampers wet wipes are not flushable. Avoid flushing non-flushable items: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. You're not supposed to flush baby wipes. Pump the bowl vigorously about six times. Toilet Paper. They don't break down like toilet paper and block sewers further down. If not, use a drain snake to dig deeper into the drain. I'll put the answer simply: The only thing (besides bodily fluids) that you should be flushing down the toilet is all that toilet paper you stocked up on. It's a simple mistake a lot of people make that you were fortunate enough to get away with and learn not to do again. Do you know if Pampers baby wipes are flushable down the toilet? My 3yr old son does not like to use toilet paper or wet wipes for his potty cleaning, I use pampers baby. Awesome just call anytime call and I will fix. Place the end of the toilet auger into the bowl, pointing. If you're dealing with a more severe blockage, you may need a plunger. If you accidentally flush something down the toilet, you might experience a clog or blockage. Step 3. Now, fold the plunger’s skirt from inside. Dip cloth into vinegar: 5. Flushing Kleenex can result in a variety of problems, as it is not designed to break down during the flushing process. Clorox wipes contain strong chemicals that can cause damage to sewage systems and septic tanks. Use a drain cover: A drain cover can help catch any debris that might accidentally get flushed down the toilet, preventing it from going down the. Toys will often become lodged at the first bend in the toilet’s drain. Jessica-and-Henry0. Accidentally flushed a non flushable wipe please help!!! So to make a long story short my sister and niece came over to my house and the poor thing is dealing with a UTI and had an accident on my floor. Tissues. accidently flushed rag down toilet. At Home Experiment: Toilet Paper vs. I tried plunging and snaking but wasn't able to retrieve the rag. Remember to put on gloves. . Speaking to the Express, Sean said that flushing baby wipes. Many baby wipes are made from synthetic polymers chemically bonded together into a durable cloth that take a very long time to naturally break down inside the sewer system. Use a toilet enzyme cleaner: Enzyme cleaners are designed to break down organic matter, including wet wipes. When it gets to the waste treatment facility for your city, they have ways to completely digest and remove the pulp from the water, making your toilet water into pure drinking water. The simple answer is yes you can dissolve baby wipes in a clogged septic tank. Then, repeat this cycle for around ten to fifteen times. This episode follows the crew of the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) as they respond to an emergency situation at a grocery store when a newborn baby is accidentally flushed down the toilet. We know what you're thinking: 'Do I really need to spend time. Remember, only flush the ‘3 Ps’ - pee, poop & toilet paper. Table Salt+ Baking soda+ Vinegar ( A Deadly Combination) to unblock a badly blocked toilet. If it clogs, its prob in the toilet and you might be able to get to it by removing the toilet. They won’t disintegrate and it will lead to plumbing issues. Here's what you should know. These are much better than items such as baby wipes. In fact, those with septic systems should be even more careful about what they flush down the toilet. You can only flush toilet paper and human waste. Do your best to get the toilet brush to cover the porthole of the toilet. Use the vacuum to remove the remaining water in the toilet. Paper towels take over eight days to dissolve in water. Remove the cap from the bottle of rubbing alcohol. Wet wipes are non-woven materials bonded together using resins, chemicals or high pressure. Even if the packaging suggests that they are, it is not recommended. When an object is accidentally flushed down the toilet, quick action is crucial. Baby wipes are designed to be used for wiping up messes, so it stands to reason that they don’t break down easily. Baby wipes are not designed to break down like traditional toilet paper, which means they can create a blockage. Otherwise, excessive amounts could also cause a clog. Avoid flushing your toilet, again and again, trying to force the wipes through the pipes! It will only make things worse. Baby wipes are designed to be durable, just like regular flushable wipes, so they can easily clean up after your child’s messes. Cellphones (usually accidental) Wedding rings (intentionally and accidentally flushed) Fish, baby turtles, mice, lizards, spiders, etc. Do not flush objects down the toilet like articles of clothing, coins, or plastic grocery bags. Are wet wipes and baby wipes flushable? Short Answer: Not really. randomrogue Diamond Member. Rousse said most wipes are not designed to be flushed down the toilet. Follow the bottle’s directions for the amount of opener to use, and measure it in a disposable measuring cup. Baby wipes. If for any reason you feel you need more, you can double flush (do your business, wipe, flush, wipe and flush again). Toilet paper is the third and final item that should be flushed down your toilet. PillsStandard toilet paper typically takes about 24 hours to dissolve, which is ideal. Items such as tissues, baby wipes, dental floss, tampons and pads, cat litter, medications, cooking grease, paper towels, cotton balls and swabs, hair, nail clippings, cigarette butts, wet wipes, and pet. What happens if you accidentally flush a wipe? Flushing baby wipes can quickly block sewer pipes and cause major plumbing problems in your community’s sewer or your home’s septic tank system. Below are 15 things Agugliaro says you should never flush down your toilet. Solution 4: Lubricate the Toilet With Dish Soap. Indeed, they are extremely resistant and are not biodegradable!Some 'flushable" wipes are flushable-by-size which just means they're small and the manufacturer hopes they won't clog normal functioning pipes. On the other hand, sulphuric acid can be used in dissolving baby wipes, but it is corrosive and harmful. Paper Towels & Tissues. I made a stupid mistake a flushed Clorox wipes down my. How to Unclog a Toilet Step by Step. After that I'd say you're in the clear. 6. You should never flush food down the toilet, as it can cause serious damage to your plumbing system and lead to costly repairs. 3 What Dissolves Baby Wipes in the Toilet? 2 How to Remove Baby Wipes From a Clogged Toilet? 2. In many houses, the plumbing is set up so that the toilet is connected to the sewer line. Don’t push your luck. Vinegar is often used in combination with baking soda to loosen up stubborn clogs in drains and toilets. They don't dissolve and they clump together causing pipe clogs. IF your toilet has a macerator that chews everything up and this happened right after flushing a baby wipe the wipe may be caught in the impeller causing it to make a different noise, many times when the impeller becomes jammed the toilet will not flush and make a different noise, if yours is still flushing the impeller may. If you accidentally flush baby wipes down the toilet, there may be a few potential problems you could face. Moist wipes and baby wipes are NOT made of tree pulp. After the water is about an inch from the top of the bowl, add in 1/4 cup of white vinegar. If you keep flushing it, it will only make it worse as it will sink further down into the plumbing system and could potentially cause a blockage. Disinfecting wipes, baby wipes, and paper towels should NEVER be flushed. It will successfully dissolve the baby wipes and prevent potential future clogs. We stopped using wipes for the bathroom once they were each potty trained, so 2 and 2. This is also worth doing if you accidentally flushed a valuable item. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Soak it overnight in Listerine (or diluted sodium peroxide or high-proof alcohol), boil it for about 5 minutes in a bit of water, then rinse and dry/clean the bristles with a baking soda/water mixture. 1. After waiting, pour the hot water into the bowl. Many assume that biodegradable wipes are eco-friendly, and thus can be flushed or macerated – Baby wipes have been getting a lot of bad press recently, and for good reason. These wipes were not designed to break down when submerged in. It may be that the wipes are already in the pipe, and if that is the case, you will need a plumber anyway. Daughter dropped a baby wipe in our sealand macerator toilet and it make a loud noise when flushed. You certainly can use wipes, but throw it away rather than flushing it down the toilet. Share [addtoany] Contrary to popular belief, baby wipes and other similar items – such as makeup removal wipes and regular wet wipes – are not flushable. The exact consequences of flushing something down a toilet can vary depending on what you’re flushing. Shake the cotton ball a couple times to remove excess alcohol, then press it firmly against a clean cloth or the palm of your hand. Calling a professional plumber to fix the issue once. Turns out, the tenants have been flushing baby wipes down the toilet. What to do?THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS TRULY FLUSHABLE WIPES. Hopefully, you pull up the rag. There is a guy in our city (population 35k) whose only job is to drive around and pull baby wipes out of the sanitary sewer. However, things like washcloths can get stuck in the pipes and cause a clog. In conclusion, a regular toothbrush can indeed clog a toilet if flushed down. Turn the handle clockwise to extend the auger’s cable (or “snake”) down into the drain. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Paper towels. Consumer advocacy group CHOICE conducted a survey to assess how Australians understand the term “flushable” in the case of wipes. These also include wet wipes. Be cautious not to use excessive force, as this could damage the toilet or push the object further down the drain. Take a cotton ball and dip it into the alcohol, letting it soak into the fibers throughout. This ensures responsible and environmentally friendly disposal, preventing harm to your plumbing. Even wipes labeled as “flushable” can cause clogs. The combination of these materials and the water pressure in the pipes can cause a. Metro Plumbing, Heating and Air says this is one of the top reasons toilets. Flushing wipes down the toilet might not be an immediate issue, however, the problems will arise later when the wipes move through the sewer system. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t dissolve and they will clump together inside your pipes and cause major clogs. If you live in Chattanooga, TN, or the. The result can be smelly, gross and. 1 Best Answer. There is no septic system and only a few inches of pipe between the toilet bowl and the main sewage line. Not necessarily. Baby wipes are not biodegradable and can cause clogs in toilets, pipes and even the sewage system. A spokesman says it suggests people. Baby wipes. January 26, 2023 It's happened to just about everyone. Just insert the drain opener and take the t-shirt out. 2 Try Using a Toilet Plunger apairofpetducks • 7 yr. 7 Best flushable wipes 2021: from baby wipes to beauty wipes. Are flushable wipes really flushable 2020? “Flushable wipes are not truly flushable,” said Jim Bunsey, chief. J. Even plumbers frown at the thought of removing baby wipes from the pipes. Toilet paper is made to degrade when flushed, but wipes do not have the same material characteristics. According to Trinity Plumbing, such items include disposable wet wipes, menstrual products, diapers, medication, cat litter, and hair. They aren’t as robust as a residential sewage system. Flushable baby wipes and sani-wipes:. Yet, stuck baby wipes, when flushed, clog your toilet, septic tank, and possibly local sewer system. Snaking the drain to break up the blog or pull it back out through the bowl. Pull the auger back out through the toilet bends. You do indeed need to use quick-dissolving RV toilet paper. Have you ever panicked after accidentally flushing something down the toilet? We’ve all been there. Most food. " And consumer reports found that it took a full 12 hours of soaking to break those wipes apart. Don’t force it down with a flush. Food scraps will clog your septic system. Pouring a mixture of hot water and ½ cup Dawn dish soap down the drain. Watch on. With your kettle, pour the hot water slowly into the bowl; watch out for overflow. Not only can it cause clogging and blockages in our plumbing system, but it can also lead to sewer system damage and expensive repairs. Pour the solution into your toilet. Using a toilet auger easy than a wire hanger. On Wednesday, Powling set up a simple demonstration for the Fox Valley students. If you don’t have tissue that’s safe for RV use, you shouldn’t flush it into your RV’s sewage system. What happens if you accidentally flush 1 baby wipe? Wet wipes can cause serious damage to your home’s plumbing. Pritzker signed into law Senate Bill 294, known as the Wipes Labeling Act, which now requires manufacturers of household disposable wipes for sale in the state of Illinois to clearly label “Do Not Flush” on wipes that should not be flushed down the toilet. Flushing flushable wipes down the toilet can have detrimental effects on your local sewer system. These materials do not quickly disintegrate or dissolve in water. You do indeed need to use quick-dissolving RV toilet paper. Baby wipes (even the flushable. –On Friday, Gov. Civil engineer here ♀️ Please don’t flush wipes other than toilet paper! Just because you haven’t had a problem, doesn’t mean that the accumulation can cause one downstream or system wide. If the water is not flowing away, you will have to check the second step as toilets generally don’t unclog themselves. 1. If left unaddressed, this can lead to expensive repairs and potential health risks. While many look for alternatives to toilet paper, they may turn to household items like Kleenex or wet wipes, which can wreak havoc on your plumbing. Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water and disintegrates as it travels through the plumbing. Here's how to use one to unclog a blocked toilet. Dad screamed at me for a bit and now I'm worried that one wipe will cause a septic problem. It can create problems and clogs further down the drain though (such as. Myth #3: Only non-woven wipes cause clogs. If you flush a washcloth down the toilet, it will probably get stuck in the pipes. These wipes were not created to be flushed down the toilet and may lead to some plumbing issues in the future. Rooter ® recommends only flushing toilet paper and bodily fluids down your toilet. Remove the cap from the bottle of rubbing alcohol. In fact, you should never flush baby wipes and similar products down the toilet because they can clump together, clog your pipes, damage plumbing equipment, and destroy your septic system. Wipes. Baby wipes can cause clogs in plumbing and should be disposed of in the trash. As baby wipes are not designed to dissolve in water like toilet paper, they can quickly clog up your pipes. So while the temptation might be there to treat and dispose of these the same way as toilet paper, you should not flush disposable wipes into your septic system. In order to dissolve baby wipes, it is necessary to use a chemical that can break. If you can see any part of the item, grab it and pull. We just spoke to a plumber about accidentally flushing 2, 4"x 8" rags down the toilet (they were in a bucket of very dark water that we poured into the toilet). Because wipes don’t break down in water, they can clog up plumbing systems in a home, and damage pipes and machinery at wastewater treatment plants.