Plumbing Pitfalls: Avoid These Common Drain Disasters

It is important to consider what you are putting down your drains - not only for your own plumbing system, but for your local water and sewer system as well. If you aren’t careful, you can cause a serious and expensive plumbing problem! Today, we will talk about some common items that can cause clogs and plumbing issues. 

Coffee grounds 

You leave a little coffee in your cup for a few hours and it’s too cold to drink, so you dump it in the sink – no problem, but the same cannot be said for coffee grounds. Many people think those can go down drains or garbage disposals; some articles even advise putting coffee grounds in your drain as a deodorizer, but it is one of the worst offenders for clogs. Dispose of them in the garbage or better yet, compost your old coffee grounds. Your pipes (and maybe even your garden!) will be happy you did. 

Eggshells 

Crushing eggshells and sending them down the drain might seem harmless, but eggshells have a knack for accumulating unwanted companions—grease, oil, and other debris—leading to stubborn pipe clogs. Instead, consider these alternatives: toss eggshells in the trash or compost bin, or repurpose cracked shells as seedling starters. 

Grease, fat, and oils 

Despite extensive awareness campaigns, disposing grease, fat, and oils down drains still occurs. These substances attract other debris, forming stubborn clogs that obstruct your drain’s functionality. Contrary to popular belief, even hot water doesn’t render them drain-safe. Always keep any grease, fat, or oils in a jar until they cool, and then dispose of them in the garbage (or use them to make other foods even more delicious!). 

Flushable wipes 

When a product boasts that it is “flushable,” it’s tempting to assume it’s safe for your toilet. However, the reality is less straightforward. Despite the marketing hype, most plumbing systems struggle with anything beyond waste and standard toilet paper. Flushable wipes unfortunately don’t disintegrate like toilet paper does. Moreover, they contain additional materials that exacerbate plumbing woes. 

Remember this golden rule: Stick to waste and toilet paper only when flushing. Even so-called flushable kitty litter can wreak havoc on your plumbing and the broader water system.  

Flour 

Flour is another seemingly benign substance that many people think can go down the drain. But when mixed with liquids, flour creates a glue-like binder that can lead to stubborn clogs. Think about papier mâché - flour is the glue that makes everything solid. Keep flour out of your drains to help avoid clogs and plumbing issues.  

Although this list isn’t exhaustive, it sheds light on items that shouldn’t find their way into your drains. From paper towels to paint and solvents, and even feminine hygiene products, these culprits often surprise people. Now that you’re informed, you can make wiser choices and avoid costly and frustrating plumbing problems. And if you find yourself with a stubborn clog, call the experts to help.