What Should You Not Put Down the Drain

A drain is a pipe or channel designed to carry away excess water or other liquids. It is typically installed in areas such as sinks, showers, and basements to prevent flooding or water damage. Drains can also refer to the act of removing liquid from something, such as draining water from a sink or draining oil from a car.

While it may be tempting to use your sink as a catch-all for all types of waste, there are certain items that should never be put down the drain. Doing so can wreak havoc on your plumbing system, causing clogs, backups, and even serious damage. In this article, we will discuss what should you not put down the drain to keep your plumbing in optimal condition.

How to Know if you have clogged Drain

Dealing with a clogged drain is never a fun task, but it's something that many homeowners will inevitably have to face at some point. Whether it's a slow-draining tub, a backed-up sink, or a gurgling toilet, a clogged drain can be a frustrating and messy problem to deal with.

So how can you tell if you have a clogged drain? Here are some tell-tale signs to look out for:

• Slow drainage: If water is draining slowly from any of your sinks, tubs, or showers, it's a clear indication that you have a clogged drain. This is especially common in bathroom drains where hair and soap scum can build up over time.
• Foul odors: A foul smell coming from your drains is another sign that you may have a clog. This odor is usually caused by food particles or other debris that has gotten stuck in the pipes and begun to rot.
• Gurgling noises: If you hear gurgling noises coming from your drains when water is draining, it's a sign that there is something blocking the flow of water. This could be a clog in the pipes or a venting issue that needs to be addressed.
• Water backup: One of the most obvious signs of a clogged drain is water backing up into your sink, tub, or shower. This can be a messy and unsanitary situation that requires immediate attention.
• Multiple drains clogging: If you have multiple drains clogging at the same time, it's likely that there is a mainline clog in your sewer system. This is a serious issue that should be addressed by a professional plumber.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to address the clog as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your pipes and plumbing system.0

What You Should Not Put Down the Drain

1. Cooking oils and grease

Cooking oils and grease are a common byproduct of cooking, but many people are unaware of the potential dangers of disposing of them down the drain. Pouring oils and grease down the drain may seem like an easy way to get rid of them, but it can lead to serious issues for your pipes and the environment.

When oils and grease are poured down the drain, they can solidify and create blockages in your pipes. Over time, these blockages can build up and cause clogs that are difficult and expensive to fix. In extreme cases, these clogs can even cause your pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs.

2. Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds can easily clump together and create clogs in your drain pipes. When mixed with oils or fats from other sources, they can form a thick paste that builds up over time and leads to blockages. This can result in slow draining sinks, foul odors, and eventually expensive plumbing repairs.

In addition to clogging up your pipes, coffee grounds can also pose a problem for septic systems. They do not break down easily and can accumulate in the tank, causing it to fill up quicker than it should. This can lead to costly pumping services and potential damage to the septic system.

So what should you do with your used coffee grounds instead? There are plenty of eco-friendly and practical ways to dispose of them. You can compost them to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden, use them as a natural scrub for pots and pans, or even sprinkle them in your backyard to deter pests like ants and slugs.

If you really must dispose of your coffee grounds down the drain, make sure to do so sparingly and in small amounts. Running hot water while doing so can help prevent them from sticking to the pipes and causing clogs. And remember to never pour grease or oils down the drain along with the coffee grounds, as this can compound the issue.

3. Eggshells

Eggshells are a common kitchen waste item that many people often wonder how to dispose of properly. While it may seem convenient to simply toss them down the drain, this can actually cause problems for your plumbing and the environment.

When you put eggshells down the drain, they can get caught in the pipes and create blockages. Over time, this can lead to slow draining sinks and even more serious plumbing issues that require professional intervention to fix. Not only is this frustrating for you as a homeowner, but it can also be costly to repair.

Rice and pasta

Rice and pasta are staples in many households, but did you know that putting them down the drain can actually cause some serious plumbing problems? While it may seem like a convenient way to dispose of excess food, these starchy foods can wreak havoc on your pipes if they are not disposed of properly.

When rice and pasta are cooked, they absorb water and expand. This expansion can cause blockages in your pipes, leading to clogs and potentially even burst pipes. The sticky nature of these foods can also cling to the sides of your pipes, further contributing to blockages.

So, how should you dispose of rice and pasta instead? The best way is to simply throw them in the trash. If you have a compost bin, they can also be added there to break down naturally. You should never pour them down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal unit, as they can still cause problems.

If you do accidentally put rice or pasta down the drain and start to notice slow draining or gurgling noises, it's important to address the issue as soon as possible. You can try using a plunger to dislodge the blockage, or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to help break down the obstruction. If the problem persists, it's best to call a professional plumber to avoid further damage to your pipes.

5. Paint and chemicals

Pouring paint and chemicals down the drain may seem like a quick and easy way to get rid of them, but in reality, it can cause serious harm to our water sources and wildlife.

Paint and chemicals contain toxic substances that can contaminate our water supply if they are not disposed of properly. When these substances are poured down the drain, they can seep into the ground and eventually make their way into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This can not only harm the plants and animals that rely on these water sources, but it can also affect the quality of our drinking water.

6. Medications

When medications are flushed down the drain, they end up in our water supply. While wastewater treatment plants can remove many contaminants from the water, they are not equipped to remove pharmaceuticals. As a result, these medications can end up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans, where they can harm aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems.

In addition to environmental concerns, there are also potential health risks associated with flushing medications down the drain. Studies have shown that certain medications can pass through wastewater treatment plants and end up in our drinking water. This means that when we consume tap water, we could unknowingly be ingesting small amounts of pharmaceuticals.

7. Hair

Putting hair down the drain might seem like a harmless act, but it can actually have some serious consequences. While it may be a convenient way to get rid of stray hairs that have fallen out while showering or brushing your hair, it can lead to clogs in your pipes and even damage to your plumbing system.

Hair is one of the leading causes of drain clogs in homes and can easily get tangled with other substances like soap scum, grease, and other debris that get washed down the drain. When hair accumulates in your pipes, it can create a blockage that prevents water from flowing freely through your plumbing system. This can lead to slow drains, backups, and even burst pipes if the clog is not removed promptly.

8. Feminine hygiene products

When tampons, pads, or any other type of feminine hygiene product is flushed down the toilet, it can lead to significant clogging in pipes, sewage systems, and septic tanks. These products are not biodegradable and can cause blockages that are costly and time-consuming to fix. In fact, it is estimated that billions of dollars are spent each year on plumbing repairs due to flushing non-flushable items like hygiene products.

9. Paper towels and wipes

Paper towels and wipes are designed to be absorbent and durable, which means they do not break down easily like toilet paper. This can cause them to clog your pipes and create backups in your plumbing system. In fact, paper towels and wipes are some of the leading causes of sewer blockages and overflows, costing municipalities millions of dollars each year to clean up.

10. Cat litter

While flushing cat litter down the toilet or pouring it down the drain may seem like a convenient way to dispose of it, it can actually have some pretty serious consequences. Most cat litter is made from clay or silica, both of which can clog pipes and cause plumbing issues. Not to mention the fact that cat feces can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can contaminate water sources if they make their way into the sewage system.

So what should you do with your used cat litter instead? The best option is to simply throw it in the trash. Many communities have special waste collection services for pet waste, or you can simply double bag it and throw it in with your regular garbage. If you're concerned about the environmental impact of throwing away so much litter, there are eco-friendly options available that are biodegradable and can be composted.

Call Tru Flo Plumbing to Fix Your Clogged Drains

If you are in need of a professional plumbing service to fix your clogged drains, look no further than Tru Flo Plumbing. Our team of experienced plumbers is well-equipped to handle any type of clog, whether it's in your kitchen sink, bathroom drain, or sewer line.

Don't let a clogged drain disrupt your daily routine – contact Tru Flo Plumbing today for fast and reliable service. Our team will diagnose the issue and provide you with a cost-effective solution to get your drains flowing smoothly again.