GRF crews cleared 2,738 plumbing stoppages in 2025
SERVICE MAINTENANCE
In 2025, Service Maintenance dealt with nearly 100 more plumbing stoppages than in 2024—a total 2,738 stoppages—costing shareholders a total $218,203.84.
Since Mutuals share a common pipe system, the cost of declogging pipes is shared among each Mutuals’ residents. Every resident is responsible for knowing what to flush and what not to flush. Preventing stoppages saves money for residents and their neighbors.
The causes of plumbing stoppages are myriad. Grease buildup in pipes is one common source. In Leisure World, crews also find items stuffed down garbage disposals and toilets. Adult diapers, “flushable” wipes, feminine hygiene products, floss, dentures, children’s toys, cloth rags and a dog collar are just a few of the items that have been fished out of pipes by Service Maintenance crews.
When in doubt, only flush the three P’s: poo, pee and toilet paper. Service Maintenance Director Ruben Gonzalez urges residents not to flush any wipes labeled “flushable” unless they’re explicitly marked “dissolvable.”
In some cases, crews cannot retrieve a clogged item and must push the clog to the main sewer line. In severe cases, Service Maintenance must call in commercial pipe cleaners that take the pumps apart and retrieve the clogged item at a cost of about $2,000 per job. Once the clog makes its way to the sewage pumps, the cost is borne by the GRF.
Here are some tips for preventing plumbing stoppages:
• Never flush diapers, feminine hygiene products, tissue paper, rags, paper towels or cleaning wipes down the toilet. The only things that should be flushed are the three Ps: poo, pee and toilet paper.
• Never pour fats, oil or grease into your kitchen sink. Grease adheres to the inside of sewer pipes. It can build up and block the pipe, causing an overflow. Fats, lard, oil, butter, food scraps, sauce and dairy products should be disposed of in the trash.
• When using the garbage disposal, be sure to run plenty of water. The following items should not be put down the disposal: coffee grounds, fibrous materials (banana peels, celery, potatoes, melon rinds, etc); rice or anything absorbent, Drano, grease, pills, glass, bones or eggshells.
Tips for proper disposal:
• Save cooking grease in an old coffee can or cardboard milk container. Once cooled, dispose of it in the trash.
• Throw coffee grounds away in the garbage or add them to a mulch pile.
• Use a screen or drain-grate to cover the drain’s opening. To keep pipes clean, pour one cup of vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes; then chase it down with very hot water. Vinegar is a wonder cleaner. It contains acetic acid, which acts as an excellent organic solvent in removing organic buildup of crud in pipes. Sink strainers are available through the GRF Purchasing Department.
Educating friends and neighbors on flushing do’s and don’ts is an effective way to reduce costly plumbing costs.
