City of Columbus

Do Not Flush - No Wipes in the Pipes Remember, no wipes in the pipes! Only toilet paper is truly flushable, despite what labels may claim. Anything else is not designed to break down, can clog home pipes and city sewers and must go in the trash instead. Here’s a friendly reminder on what not to flush, (including so-called "flushable wipes") to avoid clogs. Please report any public sewer issues to our Sewer Maintenance Operations Center, at 614-645-7102. - learn more

Help Prevent Street Flooding - Keep Storm Drains Clear Help prevent street flooding by keeping storm drains free from blockages. Trash, leaves, debris, snow & ice are all common causes of strom sewer blockages - you can help. - learn more

Dispose of Yard Waste Properly - Pet Waste Too Waste must be properly prepared and placed for collection. Leaves swept into the curb will not be collected in Columbus. Dumping yard waste into storm drains or waterways adds excess nutrients to the water, can clog drains & contribute to flooding. Better yet, compost & mulch yard waste. - learn more

Prep Your Plant Beds for Winter with Com-Til Temperate weather provides the perfect conditions to prepare your garden and plant beds for winter. By applying a layer of mulch, you can protect them from the temperature extremes and fluctuations we experience in central Ohio. - learn more

Cool Weather Energy Savings Tips Learn how to save energy during cooler weather. Plus, link to a rebate offer for a new programmable thermostat or low flow shower head. - learn more

Water Main Breaks Routine repairs usually take 4 - 6 hours to complete. Although most are not as dramatic as the photo, there typically isn't time to notify residents before shut-off & repairs begin. FAQ's Repaired on a priority system based on severity, location & other factors, most breaks are repaired within 2 weeks of being reported. And while every attempt is made to make repairs without shutting the water off, some temporary interruptions or reduced pressure may be necessary. - learn more

What To Do if Your Pipes Freeze or Break Learn how to thaw your pipes safely & what to do if they break. Do you know where the main shut-off valve is? - learn more

Locating a Water Meter & Emergency Service Valve Locate & mark your main control valve; show everyone in the house how to turn off water in an emergency. - learn more

Holiday Reminder Do Not Pour Cooking Oils & Grease Down the Drain after Preparing Meals. Fats, oils & grease (FOG) can clog sewers, resulting in basement backups & costly repairs. Learn how to properly dispose of grease or reuse it.  - learn more

Holiday Tree Disposal Rumpke will provide curbside pickup of holiday trees free-of-charge on residents’ regular yard waste collection day. Report pick-up problems to Rumpke. Also, free drop-off locations listed to allow recycling of trees. - learn more

Sledding & Outdoor Activities Downhill sledding, snowboarding or skiing is not permitted on the sloped land around the reservoir or dam due to safety reasons. Metro Parks offer sledding, winter hikes & other outdoor activities. - learn more

Salty Taste A salty, briny or soapy taste and/or slippery texture are commonly noted in the winter when large quantities of deicing salts are applied to roads and walkways. - learn more