Avoid These Common Plumbing Problems

It’s 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, let’s talk about some common items that can cause clogs and other problems for your pipes.  

Coffee grounds  

You leave a little bit of coffee in your cup for a few hours and it’s too cold to drink, so you dump it in the sink. This isn’t a problem, but the same can’t 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 that 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. Most plumbing systems struggle with anything beyond waste and standard toilet paper. Flushable wipes unfortunately don’t disintegrate like toilet paper does. Furthermore, 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 substance that many people mistakenly 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.   

Household and automotive products  

These products often contain toxic chemicals like paints, pesticides, solvents, and automotive fluids. These harmful substances can have disastrous effects on our environment if not disposed of properly.  

It's important to understand that proper disposal methods exist for these hazardous materials. Many communities offer special collection events or designated drop-off locations for hazardous waste, ensuring that these products are handled safely and responsibly. 

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. But, if you find yourself with a stubborn clog, call the Action team to help.