Sewer explosion in central Nebraska raises concerns of what goes down your drain

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska officials issued a warning Wednesday about what you’re flushing down the toilet and putting down the drain. 

This comes after a sewer explosion in Hastings last week that officials said was caused by chemicals dumped down the drain, creating “volatile sewer vapors.”

Hastings Fire Chief Brad Starling said it happened Jan. 17 around 3 p.m. near Brickyard Park in Hastings. 

Starling said the fumes ignited in a home’s furnace, causing a flash fire and blasting off a manhole cover. 

Crews also had to evacuate several homes in the area after residents complained about a gas smell in their basements.

Starling said crews were able to ventilate those homes and keep everyone safe.

He said “we were lucky” that no one was injured.

Crews then went into the sewer system and found evidence of toxic fumes and chemicals. Starling said the sewer was flushed out with water.

City leaders are now urging caution in waste disposal, as the explosion could have been much worse. 

“If we don’t address the contamination, we may not be so lucky next time,” he said at a press conference. “This explosion could have easily caused significant property damage or loss of life.”

Homeowners are reminded to think twice about what you put down the drain.

City officials said to avoid putting cooking fats down the drain because they can cause blockages.

Also, cleaning or cooking chemicals can cause a reaction that can lead to those toxic vapors and even flash fires.

If you have a question about whether something is safe to go down the drain, contact your local waste management or health department.