Your drain is designed to handle water and certain types of waste, but there are many things that you should never throw down the drain. In this post, we will go over 8 things that you should avoid putting down the drain to prevent clogs and other problems.
Grease and oil
Grease and oil can solidify and cling to the inside of your pipes, causing blockages and other issues. To avoid problems, never pour grease or oil down the drain. Instead, let it cool and solidify and then throw it in the trash.
Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds may seem harmless, but they can actually cause problems in your drain. Over time, the grounds can clump together and form a blockage. To avoid this, always throw your coffee grounds in the trash instead of putting them down the drain.
Eggshells
Eggshells may seem like a biodegradable waste, but they can actually be bad for your drain. The shells can break down and cling to the inside of your pipes, forming a blockage. To avoid this, throw your eggshells in the trash instead of putting them down the drain.
Hair
Hair is a common cause of blocked drains, especially in bathroom sinks and showers. To avoid clogs, always use a hair trap or collect your hair before it goes down the drain.
Flushable wipes
Many people use flushable wipes, but they can actually be very harmful to your drain. Unlike toilet paper, flushable wipes don’t break down easily and can cause blockages. To avoid problems, never flush wipes down the toilet.
Paper towels
Paper towels may seem like a convenient option, but they can also cause problems in your drain. Like flushable wipes, paper towels don’t break down easily and can cause blockages. To avoid this, always throw your paper towels in the trash instead of putting them down the drain.
Sanitary products
Sanitary products like tampons, pads, and liners should never be flushed down the toilet. These products can cause blockages and can be harmful to the environment. To dispose of them properly, always use a trash bin.
Medications
Medications should never be thrown down the drain. When medications enter the water supply, they can be harmful to plants, animals, and even humans. To dispose of medications properly, check with your local pharmacy or waste management agency for guidance.
What to do if you throw something down the drain that shouldn’t be
If you throw something down the drain that shouldn’t be there, the first thing you should do is try to retrieve it if possible. This can often be done using a pair of tongs or pliers to reach down into the drain and remove the object. If you are unable to retrieve the object, the next step would be to try using a plunger to try and remove the obstruction. If this doesn’t work, you may need to use a plumbing snake or other specialized tool to break up or remove the obstruction. If you are unable to remove the obstruction yourself, it is best to call a plumber for assistance.
Conclusion
To avoid clogs and other problems, there are many things that you should never put down the drain. Some common offenders include grease and oil, coffee grounds, eggshells, hair, flushable wipes, paper towels, sanitary products, and medications. By being mindful of what you put down the drain, you can help keep your plumbing system running smoothly.
