Pouring certain household items and appliances down the drain can lead to clogs, plumbing issues, and environmental problems. It is essential to dispose of these items properly. Here are some items you should never pour down the drain:
Grease, Oil, and Fats: Pouring cooking grease, oil, and fats down the drain can cause serious clogs. As these substances cool, they solidify and stick to the inside of pipes, restricting the flow of water.
Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds may seem harmless, but they can accumulate and form clumps in the pipes, leading to blockages over time.
Eggshells: Eggshells can break into small pieces that get caught in the drain trap or pipes, causing blockages.
Pasta and Rice: When pasta and rice are exposed to water, they expand. If flushed down the drain, they can absorb water and create blockages.
Flour: Flour tends to form a sticky paste when it comes into contact with water, making it problematic for drains.
Paint and Chemicals: Never pour leftover paint, solvents, or chemicals down the drain, as they can contaminate water supplies and harm the environment.
Medication: Flushing expired or unwanted medications down the toilet can pollute water sources and harm aquatic life. Properly dispose of medications at designated collection sites.
Cat Litter: Cat litter can clump and cause blockages, even if it claims to be flushable. It's best to dispose of it in the trash.
Sanitary Products: Tampons, pads, and other sanitary products should not be flushed down the toilet as they can cause significant plumbing issues.
Wet Wipes: Many wet wipes are labeled as "flushable," but they don't break down like toilet paper, leading to clogs in both household plumbing and municipal sewer systems.
Hair: Excessive hair down the drain can accumulate and cause clogs. Use drain catchers to prevent hair from going down the drain.
Dental Floss: Dental floss is not biodegradable and can tangle with other debris, creating clogs.
Paper Towels and Napkins: Paper towels and napkins are designed to be more durable than toilet paper, making them unsuitable for flushing.
It's important to follow proper disposal methods for these items. Use trash cans for items that should not go down the drain, and consider recycling or disposing of hazardous materials at designated facilities. Being mindful of what goes down the drain can help you avoid costly plumbing repairs and protect the environment.