Everyday Items That Should Never Go Down Your Drain

Disposing of household waste down the drain might seem convenient, but it can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Pouring even a small amount of bacon grease down the sink after breakfast can lead to serious issues. Improper waste disposal in sinks and toilets can cause clogs, backed-up drains, and other malfunctions. Your plumbing has its limits, and constantly pushing them can result in expensive repairs. To help prevent plumbing issues, here are some items you should never put down your drains.

Items You Should Never Put Down Your Drains

Diapers

It might seem obvious, but many clogs are caused by diapers. The same goes for feminine hygiene products. Once stuck, a plunger won’t remove them, and you’ll likely need a professional. These items can clog pipes right outside your home, potentially requiring your lawn to be dug up to fix the issue.

Hair and Dental Floss

Hair inevitably ends up down the drain, and while a few strands may not cause trouble, a buildup certainly will. Similarly, dental floss can cling to pipes, contributing to blockages.

Fat, Oil, and Grease

After cooking, it’s tempting to pour leftover fat, oil, and grease down the drain. However, these substances solidify as they cool, adhering to pipe walls and trapping other debris, leading to severe clogs. They can also damage public sewer systems and affect drinking water.

Paper Products

Toilet paper dissolves in water, allowing us to flush small amounts. However, paper towels, cotton balls, and swabs do not break down and can accumulate, causing blockages.

Coffee Grounds

Even your garbage disposal can’t handle coffee grounds. They are a significant cause of clogs, and plumbers recommend disposing of them in the trash.

Egg Shells, Bones, and Hard Food Waste

Though your garbage disposal can shred these materials, they can still cause clogs. It’s best to dispose of them in the trash or compost them.

How MillTown Can Help

At MillTown, our expert plumbers have nearly 40 years of experience providing premier services. Whether you need new drain installation, pipe repair, sewer line cleaning, or mainline repair, we have you covered. Our services include:

• Sewer Main Line Cleaning
• Clogged Drains
• Leak Detection
• Sewer Camera Inspection
• Mainline Excavation & Repair

Dealing with persistent clogs or other plumbing issues? Contact MillTown today to schedule your service!