Whether you’ve been in the garden or working in your home, it’s common to start cleaning up by washing your hands in the sink. But can your drains handle the liquids or substances you’re washing off? Martens Plumbing & Heating is here to help prevent clogs by sharing a few unexpected things not to put down the drain. Learn what they are below and call us if you have questions.
Throw These Things in the Trash, Not the Sink
1. Cooking Grease
The grease you drain while cooking meat is just liquid, right? It is while hot, but it hardens when it cools, which can lead to build-up in your pipes. Instead of dumping grease down the drain, pour it into an empty can instead, then dispose of the can.
2. Eggshells
Who hasn’t thrown their eggshells down the drain, assuming that the garbage disposal will pulverize them to bits? While a garbage disposal will help break up the shells, what’s left will be sharp, jagged pieces that will catch other food or particles that also come down the drain. This can lead to more significant clogs over time.
3. Produce Stickers
It’s amazing how every little piece of produce comes with its own sticker. Though they might seem harmless, they’re not. A buildup of these stickers in your drain over time can block filters and lead to a plumbing service call.
4. Coffee Grounds
Though they may seem like a liquid when mixed with water, coffee grounds are solids that will eventually build up in your drain. In fact, they’re a common source of drain clogs. Avoid this issue altogether by throwing your used filters in the trash. Also, be careful of the excess grounds in the bottom of your cup before tossing them down the drain with your leftover coffee.
5. Foods That Can Absorb Water
Certain foods, such as pasta and rice, expand when soaked in water. Left to build up in your drain, these foods can grow even larger, and if left unchecked, can lead to blockages.
6. Hair
Though you probably don’t intend to throw hair down your drain, it still ends up there. Too much hair will eventually lead to a clog. If you know this is a potential issue in your home, install a guard to collect any strands that make their way toward the drain to avoid a major plumbing inconvenience.
7. Paint
You should never toss anything down your drain that’s toxic—and that includes paint. But toxicity aside, paint is a thick substance that can build up, especially if it dries before it’s washed away.
If you’re still unsure about putting a particular substance down the drain, do yourself (and your pipes) a favor and just throw it out instead. It’s easier to do than worry about what effects it might have down the road.
Count on Martens’ Expert Plumbing Services
Despite your best efforts, drain clogs and other plumbing issues can still occur. If you’re experiencing problems or need advice on things not to put down the drain, reach out to Martens Plumbing today. Give us a call or contact us online the next time you have a plumbing concern.
