What is the Clog Monster?

Every time you flush paper towels, the dreaded Clog Monster grows, creating an increasingly large clog down in the building’s pipe system. This menacing fiend lurks in our pipes, causing clogs and backups in your spaces.

The Clog Monster leads to closed washrooms, flooded learning spaces, and costs for cleaning and renovations. Help keep your spaces clean and usable by only flushing pee, poo and toilet paper.

Download a Poster for Your Washroom

The paper towel problem

One of the biggest culprits of clogs at UBC are paper towels. Paper towels cannot be flushed because they don’t break down in the plumbing system like toilet paper does. When you flush paper towels, they may disappear from the toilet bowl, but become stuck further down in the pipes causing a clog.

When you use the washroom, remember that paper towels belong in the trash, not the toilet.

So, what can I flush?

Only pee, poo and toilet paper can be flushed down the toilet.

Our old plumbing systems cannot handle anything other than pee, poo and toilet paper being flushed down the toilet. Last year, UBC Facilities responded to over 2,000 service calls to deal with clogs. That’s more than 5 calls a day!

 

Watch this video from Metro Vancouver to see a Clog Monster in action.

Encountered a clog monster in a washroom?

For immediate assistance, please contact the Service Centre and identify the location and issue about a space on campus that needs attention.

Phone: 604-822-2173
Email: servicecentre.buildingops@ubc.ca
X (Twitter): @UBCFixMySpace

Stop the Clog Monster on October 29 & 30 outside the UBC Bookstore

Join UBC Facilities on October 29 & 30 in Lee Square (outside the UBC Bookstore) to learn about the problems with flushing paper towels and other non-flushables. We will have plumbers and other UBC Facilities staff to show our toilet clog display and discuss how plumbing and water services work on campus.

Test out your tossing skills for the chance to win a prize at the Paper Towel Trash Toss game. By throwing paper towels into the trash, not the toilet, you can win a roll of UBC approved toilet paper to take with you!

Dates: October 29 & 30

Time: 10:30 am–1:00 pm

Location: Lee Square (outside the UBC Bookstore)

Further resources:

Metro Vancouver: The Unflushables

David Suzuki Foundation: Living Green, What not to flush