8 Things You Should Never Dump Down the Drain
Disposing of trash–like leftovers and cat litter in your toilet and sinks can be a convenient way to get rid of them. But do you know some items can lead to significant problems when they enter drains? Some things can cause costly down-the-drain plumbing issues, while others can contaminate waterways and harm marine life. Read on to learn about common items you should avoid flushing down the drain.
- Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds clump together in water, so they can build up in your drains and cause clogs. You can throw your coffee grounds in the garbage. Better yet, include them in your compost.
- Paper Towels
Paper towels may seem like the same thing as toilet paper. But they do not break down as easily as toilet paper does. As a result, dumping them can cause clogs in the plumbing, and they should not be flushed.
- Cooking Oil, Grease, and Food Fat
While throwing these three down the drain may be tempting, they can clog your pipes and block sewers. It’s best to put them in a container and throw them in the trash bin.
- Pet Waste
You should never flush kitty litter or dog poop down the toilet. Wastewater treatment facilities are designed to handle human waste. So, they can’t effectively remove parasites and bacteria from water contaminated with animal waste. These bacteria and parasites can enter waterways and cause health problems to humans and marine life.
- Medication
Flushing medications down the drain can harm marine life and contaminate drinking water sources. If you want to dispose of expired medicines properly, drop them off at a medication take-back program or tightly seal them before throwing them away.
- Conventional Cleaning Products
Conventional cleaning products typically contain phosphates, antibacterial agents, and other compounds that can be toxic to the aquatic ecosystem. Besides, some of these products can corrode your pipes and damage your plumbing system. So, switching to all-natural cleaners is an excellent idea.
- Pasta and Rice
Pasta and rice can continue to swell under your sink, where they can easily come into contact with water, leading to clogs in your pipes. To avoid drain blockages, throw these two in the trash.
- Hair
It’s easy for hair to get stuck in the drain and cause a clog, especially in the shower. To prevent this, consider using a hair catcher or disposing of hair in the trash instead of rinsing it down the drain.
Get Help From the Plumbing Experts
If you’re experiencing down-the-drain plumbing issues in Bend, Oregon, contact us at Severson Plumbing. We have the expertise and experience to quickly and effectively resolve drain blockages and prevent further damage to your plumbing system.