A Guide for What to Avoid Putting Down Drains
Clogged drains wreak havoc on the plumbing system of a home or office. Debris from food and other organic materials build up over time and create blockages. The problem is further aggravated by stuff that should not go down drains. Whether or not you have a garbage disposal, there are certain things you should not put down the drain because of the damage they can cause. Here are the most common things to avoid sending down your drains:
Grease, butter, oils, and other fats
Bacon fat, cooking grease, butter, margarine, and anything with fat or oil do terrible things to pipes. After the initial use, fat congeals, hardening inside the plumbing. Even though they don’t solidify, cooking oils also get stuck in pipes and should be disposed of in the trash or wiped up with a paper towel.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are best sent to the compost bin. However, even those with a garbage disposal should avoid putting coffee grounds down the sink because they can damage the septic system or overall piping.
Eggshells
Eggshells get sticky when they get wet and can latch onto the inner areas drain pipes. So after a time, you may find yourself with an unusable sink weeks after making an omelet.
Cotton balls, cotton swabs, and paper towels
Items that claim to be biodegradable should still not be sent down the toilet or sink drain. Paper towels and cotton balls or swabs do not dissolve instantly, unlike human waste. The best place to dispose of these items is in the trash. Some eco-conscious homeowners switch to cloth towels in the kitchen to cut down on waste.
Chemical cleaners
Chemical cleaners used to dissolve toilet and sink clogs are incredibly corrosive, as they are designed to break through blockages and clear out the pipes. Unfortunately, such cleaners can also melt PVC plumbing, break toilets, and get stuck in a pipe groove leading to cracks. You’re better off hiring a plumber to clean pipes every year or so than put harmful chemicals down your drains.
Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and pads do not dissolve when flushed. Therefore, they should be thrown away in the garbage. Otherwise, you may experience septic or sewer line clogs. In some cases, these items do not make it to the plumbing outside of the home and can create a flooded toilet or backed-up drain.
Paint
Whether the paint is water-based or oil-based doesn’t matter. It should never be put in the sewage system. Check with the local authorities about paint disposal. Depending on the regulations in your area, paint may need to be disposed of at a facility for hazardous waste.
Toys
Toys are usually not intentionally flushed down the drain. However, plumbers often find themselves at a parent’s home digging out doll arms and army men from the toilets. If you have children or pets at home, consider purchasing a safety lock for toilets so toys won’t end up being flushed.
Rice and pasta
Starchy food items swell as they go down the sink. Pasta and rice can also get tangled under the garbage disposal, causing the sink to back up. If you find that pasta or rice has clogged your sink, try pouring boiling water down the sink to unblock the food particles.
Harmful liquids and medications
Due to adverse environmental impacts, avoid throwing household cleaners, motor oil, and medications down your pipes. These items have historically harmed the environment, and some things like motor oil are illegal to send down drains. Instead, potentially hazardous wastes should go to the appropriate waste or recycling center.
While there are many things you cannot put down the drain, there are also numerous alternatives in getting rid of waste consciously and effectively. In addition, keeping drains clean and clog-free allows you and your family to enjoy the plumbing system the way it was designed to be used. Lastly, if you did send something on this list down the drain and are now experiencing a blockage, do not hesitate to contact a licensed plumber to get things flowing freely again.
If you need a licensed, bonded, experienced plumber for plumbing installation and service in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Queen Creek, Ahwatukee or San Tan Valley call Norfleet Family Plumbing Heating and Air at 480-681-1764.
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