The sink drain in your home is a convenient way to dispose of liquid waste, but it’s not designed to handle everything. Certain items can cause blockages, damage your pipes, or harm the environment. It’s important to know what should and shouldn’t go down the drain to keep your plumbing system running smoothly and to protect our waterways.
Grease and Fats
One of the most common causes of drain blockages is the disposal of grease, fats, and oils down the sink. These substances solidify as they cool, sticking to the sides of your pipes and gradually building up over time. This can lead to severe blockages that require professional plumbing services to resolve.
Instead of pouring grease and fats down the drain, let them cool and solidify, then scrape them into a sealable container and dispose of them in the trash. Alternatively, some cities have recycling programs for cooking oil, which can be converted into biodiesel.
Food Waste
Even with a garbage disposal, certain types of food waste can cause problems for your plumbing. Fibrous materials like celery stalks, corn husks, and onion skins can wrap around the blades of your garbage disposal, causing it to jam or malfunction.
Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes can also cause issues. They swell when they come into contact with water, potentially leading to blockages. Coffee grounds are another common culprit, as they can accumulate in your pipes over time.
Instead of putting these items down the drain, consider composting them. Composting is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Non-Biodegradable Items
Non-biodegradable items like plastic wrappers, cigarette butts, and sanitary products should never be flushed down the drain. These items don’t break down naturally and can cause serious blockages in your pipes. They can also end up in our oceans, where they pose a threat to marine life.
Dispose of these items in the trash or recycle them if possible. Remember, the toilet is not a trash can.
Chemicals
Many people don’t realize that certain household chemicals can be harmful if they’re poured down the drain. Cleaning products, pesticides, paint, and motor oil can contaminate our water supply and harm aquatic life.
Many cities have hazardous waste collection programs where you can safely dispose of these chemicals. Check with your local waste management facility to see what services are available in your area.
Medications
Flushing unused or expired medications down the drain might seem like a good way to dispose of them, but it can have serious environmental consequences. Medications can contaminate our water supply and harm aquatic life.
Many pharmacies have take-back programs where you can safely dispose of unused medications. Alternatively, you can mix them with an unpalatable substance like coffee grounds or kitty litter, seal them in a plastic bag, and throw them in the trash.
Conclusion
By being mindful of what you put down your sink drain, you can prevent plumbing issues and protect our waterways. Remember, if in doubt, it’s always better to throw it out. Your pipes, and the environment, will thank you.