Things To Keep Out Of Your Drains

You might not think twice about what you wash down your drains, but this everyday oversight can lead to a world of plumbing woes. From the kitchen sink to the bathroom drain, what goes down can significantly impact the health and functionality of your home’s plumbing system. But fear not – by knowing what to avoid, you can prevent clogs and maintain efficient drains. In this guide, we’ll unveil the common household items that should never find their way into your drains.

9 Things to Keep Out Of Your Drains and Why

1. Cooking Grease and Oils: A notorious enemy of kitchen drains, cooking grease and oils might flow easily in their liquid form but solidify in your pipes, leading to stubborn clogs. The safer route? Let them cool and dispose of them in the trash.

2. Coffee Grounds: Contrary to popular belief, coffee grounds are not sink-friendly. They accumulate over time and create blockages. A compost bin is a much better destination for coffee grounds.

3. Eggshells: While seemingly harmless, eggshells can cause trouble in your pipes, especially when ground up by garbage disposals. They create a sandy substance that can mix with other waste, leading to clogs. Composting is a better option.

4. Starchy Foods: Foods like pasta, rice, and bread expand in water and can become surprisingly sticky, leading to blockages. These should always go in the trash or compost, not down your sink.

5. Produce Stickers: Small and easily overlooked, those stickers on fruits and vegetables can create significant problems in your plumbing and even municipal water systems if they slip down the drain.

6. Medications: Flushing medications can harm both your plumbing and the environment, contaminating water supplies. Proper disposal through medication take-back programs is recommended.

7. Flushable Wipes: Despite their name, “flushable” wipes are a plumber’s nightmare. They don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and are a common cause of blockages. Always throw them in the trash.

8. Hair: A prime culprit in bathroom clogs, hair can bind with grease and other debris in your pipes. A drain guard can help capture hair before it causes trouble.

9. Paint and Construction Debris: These materials can harden in pipes, leading to major blockages. Dispose of them properly according to local hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

Protect Your Drains, Save Your Plumbing

Being vigilant about what you put down your drains is more than just good practice; it’s a crucial step in safeguarding your home’s plumbing health. This guide sheds some light on everyday items that spell trouble for your pipes, offering you the knowledge to prevent clogs and maintain efficient plumbing. However, even the most careful households can have unexpected plumbing challenges. If you find yourself in a bind with a stubborn blockage or a recurring drain issue, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Stagg Plumbing is here to provide expert solutions and peace of mind. Reach out to us by calling 972-833-8660 for any plumbing concerns or advice.