We’ve all been there—standing in the kitchen or bathroom, wondering what to do with leftover food or waste. Knowing what not to pour down the drain can save you from costly plumbing issues and keep your home running smoothly.
While it might seem harmless to dispose of certain items in the sink, many can cause serious problems. From clogs to more significant damage, being mindful of what goes down your drain makes a big difference.
1. Grease
You might think pouring grease down the drain is no big deal, but it can cause serious problems. When grease cools, it solidifies and clogs pipes.
This buildup can lead to costly repairs and can disrupt your plumbing. Instead of pouring it down the drain, let the grease cool and dispose of it in a container. Remember, your drains will thank you!
2. Coffee Grounds
You might think tossing coffee grounds down the drain is no big deal. After all, they’re small, right? In reality, coffee grounds can create major problems. They tend to clump together and stick to grease in your pipes, leading to blockages over time.
Instead of sending them down the drain, consider composting or using them in your garden. Your plumbing will thank you!
3. Eggshells
You might think tossing eggshells down the drain is harmless. After all, they’re natural, right?
Even if you have a garbage disposal, eggshells can create tiny bits that clump together with other waste. This can lead to stubborn clogs in your plumbing. Instead, consider composting them or tossing them in the trash. Your pipes will thank you for it!
4. Rice
You might think it’s harmless, but pouring rice down the drain is a bad idea. Once rice hits water, it expands and absorbs moisture. This can lead to clogs in your pipes over time.
Instead of risking a plumbing nightmare, dispose of rice in the trash. Keeping your drain clear will save you headaches later.
5. Pasta
You might think it’s harmless to rinse leftover pasta down the drain, but it can actually create big problems. When pasta mixes with water, it expands and can lead to clogs. Sticky textures can catch other debris in your pipes, causing backups.
To keep things flowing smoothly, toss leftover pasta in the trash instead. This simple step can save you from expensive plumbing bills.
6. Paint
When it comes to pouring paint down the drain, it’s a hard no. Paint can clog pipes and create serious plumbing issues.
Latex paint may seem harmless, but it can still build up in your plumbing. Oil-based paints are even worse; they contain harmful chemicals that can contaminate water sources. Instead of dumping paint, check with your local waste disposal for proper disposal options.
7. Household Chemicals
You might think that pouring household chemicals down the drain is harmless, but it can cause serious issues. Flammable liquids, strong acids, and toxic substances can contaminate water supplies and harm the environment.
Items like paint, solvents, and bleach should never go down your drain. Instead, check for local disposal programs that can handle these chemicals safely.
8. Fibrous Vegetables
When it comes to fibrous vegetables, you should be cautious. Items like celery, artichokes, and kale can cause major clogs in your garbage disposal.
These veggies have tough fibers that can knot and jam the blades. Instead of tossing them down the drain, consider composting or disposing of them in the trash. It’s a simple way to keep your plumbing running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.
9. Paper Towels
Paper towels might seem convenient for quick cleanup, but they don’t break down like toilet paper. When you pour them down the drain, you risk clogging your plumbing.
These products can easily bunch up and create a mess in your pipes. Instead of tossing them in the sink, toss them in the trash where they belong. Keeping your drains clear is simpler than dealing with a hefty plumbing bill. Remember to be mindful of what you discard.
10. Sanitary Products
You should never flush sanitary products like pads, tampons, or panty liners down the drain. They don’t break down like toilet paper and can lead to serious clogs in your plumbing.
Even those wipes labeled as “flushable” can cause problems. They’re often a mix of materials that don’t decompose easily.
Instead, dispose of these items in your trash. Keeping them out of the drain helps avoid costly plumbing issues. Plus, it’s more environmentally friendly!
11. Disposable Wipes
You might think those “flushable” wipes can go down the toilet, but that’s not the case. They often don’t break down like regular toilet paper. This can lead to serious plumbing issues.
Even regular disposable wipes can cause blockages in your pipes and the broader sewer system. It’s best to toss them in the trash instead.
By keeping wipes out of your drains, you help avoid costly repairs and keep the plumbing running smoothly. Your drains will thank you!
12. Cooking Oil
You should never pour cooking oil down the drain. It solidifies when it cools, leading to nasty clogs in your pipes. Instead of dumping it, let it cool and store it in a container. You can then recycle it or throw it in the trash.
Using your plumbing correctly prevents headaches later on. Keeping oil out of the drain is a simple way to maintain your plumbing system.
13. Flammable Liquids
Flammable liquids should never go down the drain. This includes items like gasoline, lighter fluid, and paint thinners. Disposing of these substances improperly can create serious hazards. They can ignite and cause fires, posing risks to your home and the environment.
Always find proper disposal methods for flammable liquids. Many communities offer hazardous waste collection days for safe disposal. Your safety and your surroundings will thank you for it.
14. Pharmaceuticals
You might think flushing old medications is convenient, but it’s actually harmful. When pharmaceuticals enter the water supply, they can disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
Instead of pouring them down the drain, take your unused prescriptions to a pharmacy or community take-back program. These options ensure safe disposal and keep the environment safe.
So, next time you’re cleaning out your medicine cabinet, remember to keep medications out of the sink!
15. Cotton Balls
You might think it’s okay to toss cotton balls down the drain, but that’s a bad idea. They can easily clump together and create blockages in your pipes. Instead, throw them in the trash where they belong.
Not only will this help keep your plumbing clear, but it also saves you from potential costly repairs. Keeping your drains clean is much easier than dealing with a clog!
