5 Items You Should Never Pour Down Your Drain

Your drain is a vital part of your plumbing system, and it’s essential to treat it with care. Pouring the wrong items down your drain can lead to clogs, damage, and costly repairs. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 items you should never pour down your drain.

NUMBER ONE: COOKING GREASE 

When cooking grease is poured down the drain, it may seem like a harmless act, but it can have devastating consequences. As the grease flows through the pipes, it cools and solidifies, sticking to the inner walls of the pipes. This buildup can cause a blockage, slowing down water drainage and potentially leading to severe clogs. 

For example, imagine pouring bacon fat or excess oil from cooking down the drain. At first, it may seem like a convenient way to dispose of it, but over time, that grease can accumulate and cause significant problems. 

Soon, you may notice water draining slowly or not at all, and if left unchecked, the clog can become so severe that it requires costly pipe repairs or even replacement.

NUMBER TWO: FOOD SCRAPS

Food scraps, particularly those high in fiber like vegetable peels, rice, and potato skins, can wreak havoc on your drain. When these scraps are washed down the sink, they can get stuck in the pipes and accumulate over time. 

As they build up, they can cause blockages that slow down water drainage, leading to frustrating clogs and unpleasant odors. For instance, imagine washing down a bunch of celery leaves or carrot tops without properly disposing of them first. 

These fibrous scraps can snag onto pipe walls and create a thick, impenetrable mass that prevents water from flowing freely. Similarly, rice and potato peels can expand and stick together, causing a stubborn clog that requires professional attention. 

NUMBER THREE: CHEMICALS

Chemicals like bleach, drain cleaners, and other harsh substances may seem like effective solutions for cleaning and unclogging drains, but they can actually do more harm than good. 

When poured down the drain, these chemicals can corrode pipes, damage pipe linings, and even cause cracks and leaks. For example, bleach can react with certain pipe materials, causing them to deteriorate and weaken over time. Similarly, drain cleaners can contain abrasive chemicals that scratch and wear away pipe walls, leading to costly repairs and even pipe replacement. 

Moreover, these chemicals can also pose serious health risks, causing skin irritation, eye damage, and respiratory problems if inhaled. It’s crucial to handle these substances with caution and consider safer alternatives, like natural cleaning methods or professional drain cleaning services, to avoid putting your pipes and health at risk.

NUMBER FOUR: WET WIPES

Wet wipes, despite being labeled as “flushable,” can pose a significant threat to your drain’s health. Unlike toilet paper, which breaks down in water, wet wipes retain their shape and structure, causing them to accumulate in pipes and lead to clogs and blockages. 

For instance, baby wipes, makeup remover wipes, and even flushable wipes can all contribute to this problem. As they build up, they can create a thick, impenetrable mass that prevents water from flowing freely, leading to slow draining, backups, and even pipe damage. 

Moreover, these wipes can also entangle with other debris, like hair and grease, to form a stubborn blockage that requires professional attention. To avoid these issues, it’s essential to dispose of wet wipes in the trash, not the toilet, and opt for alternative, drain-friendly products.

NUMBER FIVE: MEDICATIONS

Medications, particularly prescription drugs, can have devastating environmental consequences if not disposed of properly. When poured down the drain, they can enter waterways, contaminating rivers, lakes, and oceans, and harming aquatic life. 

For example, hormones from birth control pills can disrupt the reproductive cycles of fish, while antidepressants can alter the behavior of aquatic animals. 

Even small amounts of medications can have a significant impact, as they can accumulate in waterways and concentrate in the food chain. 

To prevent this, it’s crucial to dispose of medications properly, such as by taking them to a drug take-back program or mixing them with an undesirable substance like used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and then throwing them away in the trash.

Pouring the wrong items down your drain can lead to severe consequences, including clogs, damage, and costly repairs. 

If you’re experiencing drain issues or want to maintain your plumbing system, contact a professional plumber!