Modern drains can handle a lot of waste, so it’s easy to get in the habit of just dumping things down them without a second thought. However, putting the wrong materials down your sinks can result in expensive plumbing problems. If you’re in the habit of flushing these items down the sink of your Edwardsville, IL home, you might want to reconsider.
Fats, Oils, and Grease
These three materials are the most common culprits when it comes to clogged kitchen drains. Liquid grease and oil tend to solidify in the pipes, which also captures other materials and can result in a nasty clog. Dispose of used cooking grease and other oils in the garbage instead, and consider wiping out greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them. You should also avoid putting more solid fatty foods, such as meat trimmings or poultry skins, down the disposal.
Coffee Grounds and Eggshells
These items can be small enough to fit easily down the drain, but their granular nature causes them to accumulate in your pipes. That can lead to serious clogs, so make sure to toss them in the trash or recycle them as compost.
Hair
Whether you’re giving your hairdo a quick touch-up trim over the bathroom sink or losing stray hairs in the shower, your lovely locks can cause big problems for your plumbing. Use a hair trap over your drains to reduce the damage done, and clean up clippings with a towel and throw them away.
Produce Stickers
It’s easy to peel off a produce sticker as you wash your fruit in the sink, but make sure you don’t let it go down the drain. These little stickers don’t break down easily and tend to get caught in filters and screens.
Paint, Motor Oil and Household Chemicals
If you have a liquid you don’t need anymore, pouring it down the drain may seem like an easy disposal method. However, many household chemicals are corrosive and can eat away at your pipes over time. The chemicals also end up in the water supply, which can cause dangerous contamination issues.
Dairy Products
It seems like a no-brainer to pour that last bit of milk or butter down the drain, but dairy contains a high level of fat. Like cooking oil, it can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs.
Flushable Wipes, Litter, or Sanitary Supplies
Just because something can fit down a drain doesn’t mean it should go down. Most flushable products don’t break down properly in water, so they have a tendency to collect and create major clogs.
