Maintaining a smoothly running household involves more than just regular cleaning and upkeep. Often overlooked, proper drain care is crucial for the longevity of your plumbing system. Unfortunately, there are numerous misconceptions about what's safe to pour down your drains.
In this comprehensive guide, we aim to dispel these myths and provide you with essential knowledge on how to care for your drains effectively. Read on to discover the truths behind drain care and why it matters for the health of your plumbing system.
9 Things To Avoid Putting Down Your Kitchen Drain
Be aware of these unsafe items that should never be placed down your kitchen drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. You might be surprised by some of the foods on our list.
Butter & Margarine
Both melted and solid forms of butter and margarine are harmful to your drain. They have a tendency to solidify and stick to the inner walls of the pipe, resulting in ongoing buildup over time. So, whether melted or not, it's best to refrain from pouring butter or margarine down your drain to prevent potential blockages.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are often mistakenly believed to be water-soluble. However, when combined with substances like grease, oil, or butter already present in the pipes, they can contribute to clogs. The coffee grounds adhere to existing buildup, exacerbating the issue. It's crucial to avoid disposing of coffee grounds down your drain, as they can adhere to the interior walls of your pipes and fail to fully dissolve, potentially leading to blockages.
Cooking Oils
Leftover grease and fats have a tendency to thicken and solidify. When poured down your kitchen sink, they create a surface for other debris to cling onto the sides of the pipes, resulting in the buildup and a higher likelihood of clogs. It's important to avoid this practice, as it not only prevents potential drain blockages but also helps maintain the functionality of your plumbing system.
Eggshells
Despite their seemingly harmless nature, eggshells should never be disposed of down your kitchen drain. They can be abrasive to garbage disposal drains and their membranes have a tendency to wrap around the grinding mechanism, which raises the likelihood of blockages. It's advised to avoid this and instead, place eggshells in the trash to prevent potential plumbing issues.
Flour
When flour comes into contact with water, it forms a sticky, glue-like substance. If this substance accumulates on the sides of your pipes, it can lead to clogs and trap other food waste. It's important to be cautious about disposing of flour down your sink, as its adhesive properties can contribute to plumbing issues.
Potato Peels
Foods like potato peels, due to their high starch content, are notorious for causing drain clogs. It's advised to dispose of them in a trash can rather than down the drain. This simple practice can help prevent potential plumbing issues and keep your drains functioning smoothly. Remember, a little caution with items like potato peels goes a long way in maintaining a healthy plumbing system.
Produce Stickers
While seemingly harmless, fruit stickers can be problematic for your pipes. Even the adhesive on these stickers has the potential to cause them to stick to the insides of the pipes, which could lead to clogs. To prevent this, remember to peel off the stickers before washing your fruit and dispose of them properly. It's important to note that these stickers do not dissolve in water and can potentially clog pipes, block screens and filters, or disrupt pumps at water treatment plants.
Rice
Similar to pasta, rice has a tendency to expand when it comes into contact with water. Its sticky nature causes it to adhere to the drain, potentially leading to blockages over time. It's important to be cautious about disposing of rice down your sink, as its expanding and adhesive properties can have detrimental effects on your plumbing system.
Seafood Shells
Similar to eggshells, seafood shells can be detrimental to garbage disposals and have the potential to become lodged in the pipes, resulting in blockages. It's recommended to dispose of seafood shells in your garbage can instead of down the drain. This precautionary measure helps maintain the functionality of your plumbing system and prevents potential clogs.
5 Things To Avoid Putting Down Your Bathroom Toilet & Drains
Condoms
Condoms, being made of latex which doesn't disintegrate in water, should never be flushed down the toilet. Doing so can lead to plumbing issues and potentially harm the environment. The non-biodegradable nature of rubber means that if condoms do manage to pass through the pipes, they may end up in the water supply, posing a risk to the ecosystem. It's strongly advised to dispose of condoms in the trash rather than flushing them.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Although it might seem obvious, there is still some debate over whether flushing tampons is appropriate. While some argue it's more sanitary, plumbers and those who've dealt with clogged toilets due to tampons tend to disagree. Feminine products do not dissolve in water, which means they can potentially get stuck. Even if they pass through household pipes without issue, they can still cause problems in septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities. As a general rule, it's advisable to securely wrap all feminine hygiene products and dispose of them in a trash can. The potential risks and potential hefty plumbing bills simply aren't worth it.
Medication
While medications may not directly harm your drain or pipes, they do pose an environmental risk. It's important to always dispose of medications in a sealed container and discard them in a trash can. This precaution helps ensure the proper disposal of medications and minimizes any potential environmental impact. Remember, being responsible with medication disposal is crucial for the well-being of both your plumbing system and the environment.
Paint
Pouring paint down the drain is a significant issue. Many areas have stringent regulations regarding the disposal of paints, including both water- and oil-based varieties. It's crucial to avoid disposing of paint in this manner, as it can lead to environmental contamination and potential drain clogs.
Paper Products
Only toilet paper is engineered to break down and disintegrate in water. In contrast, other paper products like paper towels, cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products are highly absorbent and can readily lead to clogs in your pipes. It's advised to always dispose of these items in the trash rather than down the drain. This practice helps maintain the smooth operation of your plumbing system and prevents potential blockages.
What Should I Do if My Sink Is Clogged or My Garbage Disposal Isn’t Working?
Even with the best of intentions, at some point, you'll experience a clogged drain. When faced with this situation, it's important to approach it properly to avoid exacerbating the issue. The first step is to attempt to clear the clog with a plunger.
How to Unclog a Sink Drain:
Turn Off the Disposal: If you're dealing with a garbage disposal issue, the first step is to turn off the disposal unit. This can help prevent any further damage.
Check for Obstructions: Look into the sink to see if you can identify any visible obstructions. Use tongs or pliers to carefully remove any large objects or debris that may be causing the blockage.
Use a Plunger: If the sink is still clogged, you can try using a plunger. Fill the sink with enough water to cover the plunger, and then create a seal over the drain with the plunger. Pump up and down vigorously to create pressure that may dislodge the clog.
Try a Drain Snake: A drain snake, also known as a plumber's snake or auger, can be used to reach deeper clogs. Insert the snake into the drain and turn the handle to break up or remove the obstruction.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar: This natural remedy can help break down minor clogs. Pour a cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar down the drain. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Boiling Water: Pouring boiling water down the drain can sometimes help dissolve grease or other substances causing the clog. Be careful not to use boiling water if you have PVC pipes, as it may soften them.
Check the P-Trap: If the clog persists, you may need to check the P-trap, the U-shaped pipe under the sink. Place a bucket under the trap to catch any water, then unscrew or remove it. Clear out any debris and reassemble.
Reset the Disposal: For garbage disposal issues, you can try resetting it. Locate the reset button on the disposal unit (usually on the bottom) and press it. This can sometimes resolve minor problems.
What Should I Do if My Bathtub or Shower Drain Is Clogged?
How to Unclog a Bathtub or Shower Drain:
Remove Visible Debris: Start by removing any visible debris, like hair or soap scum, from the drain. You can use a pair of gloves and a piece of wire or a small tool to pull out the blockage.
Boiling Water: Boil a pot of water and carefully pour it down the drain. Hot water can sometimes dissolve soap scum and loosen clogs.
Plunger: If the blockage persists, try using a plunger. Ensure there is enough water in the tub or shower to cover the bottom of the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain and firmly push and pull. This creates a vacuum effect that can dislodge the clog.
Baking Soda and Vinegar: Pour about 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain with a cloth or stopper and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Then, pour boiling water down the drain to flush it.
Snake or Auger: If all else fails, you can use a plumbing snake or auger. Insert it into the drain and rotate it to break up or pull out the clog.
What Should I Do if My Toilet Is Clogged?
How to Unclog a Toilet:
Stop Flushing: If you notice that the water is rising dangerously close to the rim, do not flush again. This could cause an overflow.
Gather Supplies: Rubber gloves, plunger (preferably a flange plunger for toilets), bucket, towels or newspapers, toilet auger (optional, but recommended if the plunger doesn't work).
Prepare the Area: Lay down towels or newspapers around the base of the toilet to catch any water that might spill.
Stop the Water Flow: If the toilet is about to overflow, remove the tank lid and push down on the flapper valve to stop more water from entering the bowl.
Plunge the Toilet: Ensure the plunger is fully submerged in water and covers the drain opening in the toilet bowl. Create a seal by pressing down firmly and then pulling up sharply. Repeat this motion several times. This should create suction and help dislodge the clog.
When to Call a Professional Plumber
If you're facing persistent or frequent clogs, especially across multiple drains, it might be an indication of a more significant issue within your plumbing system. Foul odors coming from your drains could signal a blockage or a larger problem in the sewer line.
Additionally, pay attention to any unusual sounds like gurgling or bubbling emanating from your drains. These noises might indicate problems with ventilation or potential clogs. A slow-draining sink or bathtub should also raise a flag, as it could be a sign of a partial clog that may worsen over time.
When you notice issues in multiple fixtures simultaneously, such as problems in both the sink and bathtub, it could suggest a deeper plumbing system problem that requires attention. Lastly, if your attempts at using DIY methods like a plunger prove ineffective, it's a clear sign that it's time to bring in a professional plumber to address the issue.
Why Choose BL3 Inc. For Sewer Lines & Drain Cleaning
But when those unexpected clogs do occur, it's essential to have a trusted professional by your side. That's where BL3 Inc. comes in. Our team of experienced plumbers specializes in effective drain cleaning solutions. We understand the intricacies of plumbing systems and are equipped to diagnose and address a wide range of issues.
Don't let a minor blockage turn into a major problem. Contact us today to schedule a service call and have our experts inspect the issue. With BL3 Inc., you can trust that your plumbing is in capable hands.
