What NOT to Put Down Your Drains Everyday Items That Can Damage Your Drains

Protect Your Drains and Avoid Costly Plumbing Repairs

Your sink drain and plumbing system are essential to keeping your home running smoothly, but they’re not designed to handle everything you throw at them. Misusing your drains by disposing of the wrong materials can lead to clogs, unpleasant odors, and even serious sewer clogs that require professional intervention.

By understanding what you shouldn’t put down your drains, you can prevent common plumbing issues, save money on repairs, and keep your pipes in top condition. In this guide, we’ll explore the everyday items that can wreak havoc on your plumbing system—and offer tips to keep your drains clear and your home running smoothly.

 EveryDay Items Damaging Your Drain

1. Grease, Oils, and Fats
   These substances may be liquid when hot but solidify as they cool, causing clogs in your sink drain or even leading to a serious sewer clog. Dispose of cooking grease in a sealed container and throw it in the trash.
   Example: Bacon grease, cooking oil, and butter.

2. Coffee Grounds
   Coffee grounds tend to clump together, forming stubborn blockages in your sink drain and increasing the risk of a sewer clog. Add them to your compost pile instead.
   Why: They don’t break down easily and accumulate over time.

3. Eggshells
   The sharp edges of eggshells can snag on other debris, creating blockages in your sink drain that may lead to a sewer clog. They’re better suited for composting.
   Why: Even with a garbage disposal, eggshells can build up and cause clogs.

4. Starchy Foods, Including Potato Peels
   Starchy foods like potato peels, rice, and pasta swell and become sticky when mixed with water. This can block your sink drain and clog garbage disposals, potentially leading to a sewer clog.
   Why: Potato peels, in particular, can form a starchy paste that adheres to the walls of your pipes, creating stubborn blockages.
   Tip: Throw potato peels in the trash or compost them instead.

5. Flushable Wipes
   Despite their name, most “flushable” wipes don’t break down in water, leading to blockages in your sink drain or causing a sewer clog further down the line.
   Pro Tip: Stick to toilet paper for flushing, and throw wipes in the trash.

6. Paper Towels and Cotton Products
   Paper towels, cotton balls, and Q-tips are too absorbent and don’t dissolve easily, leading to blockages in your sink drain and potentially a sewer clog.
   Why: These materials expand and tangle, obstructing pipes.

7. Chemicals and Harsh Cleaners
   Chemicals like bleach, paint, and household cleaners can corrode your pipes, harming both your sink drain and the environment. Over time, they may also contribute to a sewer clog.
   Alternative: Use eco-friendly cleaners or dispose of chemicals at a hazardous waste center.

8. Medications
   Flushing medications can contaminate the water supply, affecting both your plumbing system and the environment. Improper disposal may contribute to long-term issues with your sewer system.
   Why: Pharmaceuticals are harmful to aquatic life and water systems.

9. Hair
   Hair easily clumps together, creating dense blockages in bathroom drains and potentially leading to a sewer clog if left unresolved.
   Solution: Use a drain guard to catch hair and dispose of it in the trash.

10. Paint and Solvents
    These can coat the insides of pipes, clogging your sink drain and increasing the risk of a sewer clog.
    Tip: Let paint dry out and dispose of it according to local regulations.