Top 5 — Things You Should Never Put Down Your Home Drain
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If you're like most homeowners, you may not think twice before rinsing things down the drain. But did you know that certain items can cause major drain clogs and even damage your pipes over time? At Mister Quik Home Services, we understand the importance of keeping your home’s drains in top shape, which is why we're sharing the top 5 things you should never put down your drain.
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1. Grease, Oil, and Fat
We see this a lot – grease clogging up a kitchen drain! Pouring grease, oil, or fat down the drain may seem harmless when they’re hot and liquid, but as they cool, they solidify, making it harder for the water to drain. This leads to stubborn clogs that can block your pipes, cause slow drainage, and even result in sewer backups. Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool and dispose of it in a sealed container in the trash.
2. Coffee Grounds
If you are a coffee drinker, you are probably guilty of this one. Coffee grounds are one of the biggest culprits for clogged drains. Even though they may seem small, they don’t break down in water and can quickly accumulate, creating blockages. To avoid this, consider composting your coffee grounds or throwing them in the trash instead of rinsing them down the sink.
3. Eggshells
Many people believe that eggshells are harmless, but they can actually create serious issues in your plumbing system. The tiny shell fragments can bind with other substances to form clumps, leading to stubborn clogs. Plus, the membrane inside the shell can stick to the sides of pipes, making things worse. If you need to dispose of eggshells, consider adding them to your compost bin or throwing them away.
4. Medications
Flushing old medications down the drain may seem like a quick solution, but it can harm the environment. Wastewater treatment plants are not designed to filter out pharmaceuticals, meaning these chemicals can end up in our rivers, lakes, and even drinking water. Instead, take your expired or unused medications to a pharmacy that offers safe disposal services or look for local take-back programs.
5. “Flushable” Wipes
Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes are not as safe for your plumbing as you might think. Unlike toilet paper, which breaks down quickly, these wipes can take a long time to disintegrate, leading to blockages in your pipes. To avoid costly repairs, it’s best to dispose of wipes in the trash, even if they’re labeled as “flushable.”