14 Things That Should Not Go Down Your Drain
Do you know the dangers of pouring certain things down a drain? Although we may not think about it, doing so can cause serious problems with your pipes and plumbing over time. Over the years, we've seen it all - clogged drains, damaged kitchen appliances, and bathroom fixtures, rising water bills, and more. The good news is that most of these issues that stem from clogged drains and plumbing can be prevented in most instances by following a few simple rules and guidelines.
As soon as water begins to drain slowly or doesn't drain at all, it is clear that you have a problem. There are a ton of things that people pour down their drains every day which can cause drainage issues. There are many common household items that can get caught in the pipes can clog your drains, but these should be disposed of in a sanitary way. Doing so will help prevent future plumbing problems as well as insect infestations in your home. If your drains smell, have slow-moving water, or are backing up, read this short article and find out what to do to save yourself the headache of a plumbing bill.
- Oil and grease - Oil and grease are hydrophobic (they repel water), which means they can't mix with the water in your pipes. Instead, they go straight through them as a solid mass which causes clogs. That's why it's important to dispose of them properly - by putting them in a separate container that’s properly sealed and throwing them out with the trash.
- Butter and margarine - Butter and margarine are made from animal fats and plant oils. The fats and oils, if not disposed of properly, can clog your drain and cause a blockage. When the fat is mixed with water, it turns into soap. This soap makes it much harder for the water to go down the drain. You should dispose of them like oil - sealed in a container and put them in the trash.
- Flour - Flour is a grain product that can clog your pipes. If you pour it down your drain, it will stick to the sides and build up over time until it blocks your drain entirely. This can lead to bigger problems like flooding throughout your house or even sewage backups into your basement or garage if enough buildup occurs near these areas. Instead, you can put it in a compost bin or throw it in the trash.
- Rice - Rice has a tendency to clog up drains and pipes. The starch in cooked rice can block the flow of water in your pipes and lead to costly repairs or even damage to your home foundation. Rice also swells up and expands in water, so just imagine what would happen if it were inside your drains.
- Eggshells - Eggshells are made of calcium carbonate - the same mineral that makes up limestone and chalk. When these minerals are exposed to water, they dissolve and form a gel-like substance that is very difficult to remove from your plumbing pipes without professional help. That's why eggshells should never be poured down the drain! Instead, throw them in the trash or a compost bin.
- Medication - Medication should not be poured down the drain. While it may seem convenient, this action can have a negative impact on the environment and human health. As these drugs travel through our wastewater system, they enter our waterways and eventually make their way back into your drinking water supply. Try going to your pharmacy to see if they have a medical waste disposal unit, or you can wait for the next National Drug Take-Back day.
- Coffee grounds - Coffee grounds are made up of cellulose and oils, which means they don't break down easily in water. That means if you pour coffee grounds down the drain, they will build up in your pipes and eventually cause a clog. Put them in the garage can or compost bin instead.
- Paper products - By pouring your toilet paper and paper towels down the sink, you're causing increased wear on your pipes, which can lead to leaks and other issues. If you have a septic system, it will be clogged up with all those paper products too! They should go in the trash.
- Paint - Paint is made with a number of different chemicals, and some of them are more toxic than others. That means that if you pour paint down the sink, it could cause harm to your plumbing system. You can leave the can open if you have little of it left so it can dry up. Or if you have half of the can left, try putting cat litter and leave it to dry before giving it to your local HHW collection center.
- Cleaning products - Pouring cleaning products down the drain can have major consequences for your home, the environment, and even your health. Some chemicals in cleaning products cause severe health problems when they're released into our water supply. For disposal, get to your local HHW collection center.
- Produce stickers - The little bits of plastic that cling to your produce can clog up your drain and cause backups, which means you'll have to call a plumber and pay for expensive repairs. Put them in the trash instead.
- Pasta - Just like rice, pasta expands when mixed with water, which then causes blocks in the drain. It also has starch that becomes sticky, contributing more to the problems. Consider composting, or throwing them in the trash.
- Condoms - Condoms are made of latex or polyurethane, both of which are synthetic materials. This means that they don't break down easily in water or soil. When you pour a condom down the drain, it goes into stormwater systems that eventually end up in our oceans and affect marine life. Instead, throw them in trash bins.
- Fruit pits and rinds - When you pour them down the drain, they might not easily break down as other food waste does. Instead, they may sit there for years until something breaks them down - but even then, they'll probably just settle at the bottom of your pipe instead of breaking up into smaller pieces. Just chop up your peels and seeds, bury them in compost soil, and let nature do its thing.
If you find yourself having drainage issues, it's time to get them cleaned. And we're here to help!
Rochester Drain Rite is your go-to drain cleaning service in Rochester, MN. We offer affordable rates and fast turnaround times, so you won't have to worry about being left with a clogged drain for long. Whether it's your kitchen sink or bathroom tub that needs attention, our team of experts will come out and assess the issue so that you can make an informed decision about what type of cleaning service is best for your home. Our technicians are certified and trained in everything from drain cleaning to rooter services. We'll get the job done right the first time! Contact us today at
507-288-2121.
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