Household Products That Shouldn’t Go in Your Drains

Our household drains are a critical component in keeping our homes clean and allowing us to do daily living tasks. However, it is important to remember that improperly disposing of products down the drain can lead to a host of issues such as clogs, backups, and pipe cracks. Below, we will discuss common household products that you should avoid pouring down your drain because they can compromise the health of your plumbing system.

• Cooking Grease and Oil: One of the most common causes of drain clogs is cooking grease and oil. While oil and grease are hot, it is in a liquid form that seems harmless enough to pour down the drain. However, as it cools, it solidifies, creating a sticky residue that coats the inside of your pipes. This sticky residue then captures other debris that comes down your drains and forms clogs. Instead of pouring grease and oil down the drain, let it cool and solidify. Then dispose of the solidified residue in a sealed container in the trash.

• Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds are small which makes them seem like it is no big deal to wash down the drain. However, coffee grounds tend to clump up and create dense masses. These masses can clog the drain and create backups. Don’t pour coffee grounds down the drain. Wait for them to cool down and dump them in your trash instead. You can also use them for composting.

• Eggshells: While eggshells are biodegradable, they can still cause problems in your drains. The thin membrane inside the shell can wrap around other debris, creating a sticky mess that can clog pipes. Throw out eggshells in the trash or use them as compost.

• Medications: You should never flush medications or pour them down the drain. They are full of chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Pharmaceuticals can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life. Contact your local healthcare provider to learn how to properly dispose of any medications that you have.

• Wet Wipes and Paper Towels: Although wet wipes claim to be “flushable”, it is best to not flush them. They can still get stuck in your drains and cause blockages. Wet wipes and paper towels do not break down like toilet paper does and can accumulate in your drains, causing clogs. Throw them out in the trash instead.

• Paint and Chemicals: Paint, solvents, and other household chemicals should never be poured down the drain. These substances contain numerous toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Contact your local waste management provider to learn about how you should dispose of these things.

• Hair: Hair is a common culprit for drain clogs, especially in bathroom drains. We understand that it is difficult to avoid this entirely. However, there are some ways to lessen the amount of hair that makes it into your drains. You can install a hair catcher or drain strainer to catch the hair before it makes it down the drain. You can then clean out the hair catcher into the trash.