Your kitchen drain is an essential part of your home plumbing system, but it can also be a source of problems if you’re not careful about what you put down it. To avoid clogs, leaks, and other plumbing issues, it’s important to know which items should never go down your kitchen drain. In this article, we’ll cover the top 10 things you should avoid putting down your kitchen drain, and what to do instead.
1. Cooking Oil and Grease
Cooking oil and grease are some of the worst culprits when it comes to clogged kitchen drains. These liquids may seem harmless, but they can solidify and cling to the sides of your pipes, eventually causing a blockage. To prevent this, don’t pour oil or grease down the drain. Instead, let it cool, then dispose of it in a can or container and throw it in the trash.
2. Coffee Grounds
While it may seem convenient to rinse your coffee grounds down the drain, it’s not a good idea. The grounds can accumulate in your pipes and create clogs that are difficult to remove. To prevent this, dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or compost bin.
3. Starchy Foods
Foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes can also cause problems in your kitchen drain. When these starchy foods are rinsed down the drain, they can expand and create clogs in your pipes. To avoid this, be sure to dispose of starchy foods in the trash rather than rinsing them down the drain.
4. Eggshells
While you may think that eggshells are harmless, they can actually cause serious problems in your kitchen drain. The sharp edges of eggshells can scratch the sides of your pipes, creating tiny cracks that can eventually lead to leaks. To prevent this, dispose of eggshells in the trash rather than rinsing them down the drain.
5. Hair
Hair is one of the most common causes of clogged kitchen drains. When hair accumulates in your pipes, it can create a blockage that is difficult to remove. To prevent this, be sure to use a drain strainer in your sink to catch any loose hairs before they go down the drain.
6. Paper Products
Paper products like paper towels, napkins, and wipes should never be flushed down the toilet or put down the kitchen drain. They can create clogs in your pipes and cause serious plumbing issues. To prevent this, be sure to dispose of paper products in the trash.
7. Chemical Drain Cleaners
While chemical drain cleaners may seem like a quick fix for clogged drains, they can actually cause more harm than good. The harsh chemicals in these cleaners can damage your pipes and cause leaks. To avoid this, use a plunger or a natural drain cleaner to unclog your kitchen drain.
8. Fruit Pits and Seeds
Fruit pits and seeds from items like avocados and cherries should never be put down the kitchen drain. These hard objects can damage the sides of your pipes and cause clogs. To avoid this, be sure to dispose of fruit pits and seeds in the trash.
9. Bones
Bones should never be put down the kitchen drain. They are too hard and can cause damage to the sides of your pipes. To avoid this, be sure to dispose of bones in the trash.
10. Personal Care Products
Personal care products like dental floss, cotton swabs, and feminine hygiene products should never be put down the kitchen drain or flushed down the toilet. These items can create clogs in your pipes and cause serious plumbing issues. To prevent this, always dispose of personal care products in the trash or a designated waste container.
Your kitchen drain is a vital part of your home plumbing system, but it can also be a source of problems if you’re not careful about what you put down it. By avoiding these top 10 items, you can help keep your kitchen drain flowing freely and prevent costly plumbing repairs. Always be mindful of what you’re putting down your drain and dispose of items properly to avoid problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is pouring cooking oil and grease down the drain problematic?
A: Cooking oil and grease can solidify inside the pipes, sticking to the sides and eventually leading to blockages. Instead of pouring them down the drain, it’s best to let them cool, store in a container, and dispose of in the trash.
Q: Can I rinse coffee grounds down my kitchen drain?
A: No, rinsing coffee grounds down the drain is not recommended. They can accumulate inside pipes and create hard-to-remove clogs. It’s better to throw coffee grounds in the trash or compost them.
Q: Are starchy foods like pasta and rice harmful to the drain?
A: Yes, starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes can expand inside the drain and create clogs. These types of foods should be disposed of in the trash instead of being washed down the drain.
Q: Can eggshells damage my pipes?
A: While eggshells might seem harmless, their sharp edges can scratch pipes, leading to potential cracks and leaks over time. It’s safer to dispose of eggshells in the trash.
Q: I often use chemical drain cleaners for clogs. Are they safe for my pipes?
A: While chemical drain cleaners might seem effective, they contain harsh chemicals that can erode and damage pipes over time, potentially leading to leaks. It’s better to use natural solutions or a plunger to address clogs. If the clog persists, consider reaching out to us at Instant Plumbing and Rooter for professional assistance.
