Maintaining a healthy plumbing system is essential for any home, and one of the key aspects of this is being mindful of what goes down your drains. Flushing inappropriate items down the sink or toilet can lead to clogs, backups, and costly repairs. Here’s a guide on what should never go down your drain.
Grease, Fats, and Oils
One of the most common causes of kitchen drain clogs is the disposal of grease, fats, and oils. While these substances may be liquid when hot, they solidify as they cool, leading to blockages in your pipes. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool and solidify, then scrape it into a container and dispose of it in the trash. This simple step can prevent major plumbing issues down the line.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds might seem harmless, but they don’t break down easily and can accumulate in your pipes, causing clogs. It’s best to dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or add them to your compost pile. This not only prevents plumbing problems but also allows you to recycle the grounds in an environmentally friendly way.
Food Scraps
Even if you have a garbage disposal, certain food scraps should never go down the drain. Fibrous foods like celery, potato peels, and corn husks can tangle and block the disposal. Starchy foods like pasta and rice expand with water and can cause clogs. Always scrape food scraps into the trash or compost bin before rinsing dishes.
Flushable Wipes
Despite their name, flushable wipes are not truly flushable. They do not break down like toilet paper and can cause significant blockages in your pipes and municipal sewer systems. It’s best to dispose of these wipes in the trash to avoid plumbing issues and potential environmental harm.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, sanitary pads, and other feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet. These items do not dissolve in water and can cause severe blockages. Always wrap them up and dispose of them in the trash to prevent plumbing problems.
Paper Towels and Tissues
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and tissues do not break down quickly in water. Flushing these items can lead to clogs and backups. Dispose of them in the trash to keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
Hair
Hair is a common culprit of bathroom drain clogs. It easily tangles and accumulates in pipes, leading to slow drainage or complete blockages. Use a drain cover to catch hair and regularly clean it out to prevent it from going down the drain.
Medications
Flushing medications down the toilet can harm the environment as they can contaminate water supplies. Instead, take advantage of local medication take-back programs or follow FDA guidelines for disposing of medications in the trash.
Household Chemicals
Cleaning products, paint, and other household chemicals should never be poured down the drain. These substances can damage your pipes and are harmful to the environment. Dispose of them according to local hazardous waste disposal regulations.
Small Objects
Small objects like jewelry, toys, and other non-biodegradable items can accidentally fall into drains and cause blockages. Use drain covers to prevent such items from going down the sink and always be cautious around open drains.
Keep Your Drains Clear with Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating
Being mindful of what goes down your drains can save you from the inconvenience and expense of dealing with clogs and plumbing repairs. By avoiding the disposal of grease, food scraps, wipes, and other problematic items down your drains, you can maintain a healthy plumbing system and contribute to a healthier environment. If you encounter any plumbing issues or need professional advice, the team at Michael Runk Plumbing and Heating is here to help. Contact us today for all your plumbing needs and enjoy peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is in expert hands.