When it comes to kitchen maintenance, what you put down your drain can have a significant impact on your plumbing system. Even if you have a garbage disposal, there are certain items that should never be sent down the drain. These items can cause clogs, damage your pipes, and even lead to expensive repairs. In this article, we will explore the top 10 things you should never put down your drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your plumbing system remains in good working order and avoid costly issues down the line.
1. Grease and Oils
Grease and oils are among the most common culprits of clogged drains. When poured down the drain, they cool and solidify, forming a thick layer inside your pipes. Over time, this buildup can become so severe that it completely blocks the flow of water, leading to backed-up sinks and slow drains.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Clogging: Grease and oils can harden and stick to the walls of your pipes, causing clogs that are difficult to remove.
- Environmental Impact: When grease and oils enter the sewer system, they can cause blockages in municipal pipes, leading to environmentally harmful sewer overflows.
Pro Tip:
Instead of pouring grease down the drain, let it cool in a heat-resistant container, then dispose of it in the trash. You can also use a coffee filter to strain out excess grease from cooking pans before washing them.
| Grease and Oils | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Pouring it down the drain | Let it cool and dispose of it in the trash |
| Using hot water to flush it away | Use a coffee filter to strain it out of cooking pans |
2. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds might seem harmless, but they can quickly accumulate in your pipes and create stubborn blockages. While your garbage disposal can chop them up, the fine particles can still clump together and build up over time, leading to clogs that are difficult to clear.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Clogging: Coffee grounds can clump together and form a paste-like substance that can stick to the walls of your pipes.
- Disposal Strain: Coffee grounds can put additional strain on your garbage disposal, causing it to wear out faster.
Pro Tip:
Instead of putting coffee grounds down the drain, consider composting them. If you don’t compost, simply throw them in the trash.
| Coffee Grounds | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Pouring them down the drain | Compost them or throw them in the trash |
3. Eggshells
Eggshells are another common item that should not be put down the drain, even with a garbage disposal. While they may seem small, eggshells can be particularly damaging because they can form a paste-like substance when ground up. This paste can stick to the walls of your pipes and create blockages.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Clogging: Eggshells can form a paste that sticks to the walls of your pipes, leading to clogs.
- Disposal Damage: Eggshells can also damage the blades of your garbage disposal over time.
Pro Tip:
Instead of putting eggshells down the drain, compost them. Eggshells are a great source of calcium for your plants and can help enrich your soil.
| Eggshells | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Putting them down the drain | Compost them or use them to enrich your soil |
4. Pasta and Rice
Pasta and rice should never be put down the drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. These foods can absorb water and expand, leading to clogs that are difficult to clear. Additionally, they can form a slimy substance when ground up, which can stick to the walls of your pipes.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Expansion: Pasta and rice can expand when exposed to water, leading to clogs.
- Slimy Buildup: When ground up, pasta and rice can form a slimy substance that can stick to the walls of your pipes.
Pro Tip:
Instead of pouring pasta and rice down the drain, throw them in the trash. If you have a compost bin, you can also compost them.
| Pasta and Rice | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Pouring them down the drain | Throw them in the trash or compost them |
5. Produce Stickers and Plastic Wrap
Produce stickers and plastic wrap are non-biodegradable and can cause serious problems if they end up in your pipes. These items can get caught in your garbage disposal and cause it to malfunction, or they can travel down the pipes and create blockages.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Disposal Damage: Producing stickers and plastic wrap can damage the blades of your garbage disposal.
- Clogging: These items can get caught in your pipes and create blockages.
Pro Tip:
Always remove produce stickers and plastic wrap before tossing them in the trash. If you have a compost bin, make sure to remove any non-biodegradable items before composting.
| Produce Stickers and Plastic Wrap | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Putting them down the drain | Remove them and throw them in the trash |
6. Flour and Starches
Flour and other starches can be problematic when put down the drain. When mixed with water, they can form a paste-like substance that can stick to the walls of your pipes and create blockages.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Paste Formation: Flour and starches can form a paste that sticks to the walls of your pipes, leading to clogs.
- Disposal Strain: These substances can put additional strain on your garbage disposal, causing it to wear out faster.
Pro Tip:
Instead of pouring flour and starches down the drain, throw them in the trash. If you have a compost bin, you can also compost them, but make sure they are free of any non-biodegradable materials.
| Flour and Starches | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Pouring them down the drain | Throw them in the trash or compost them |
7. Solvents and Chemicals
Solvents and chemicals, such as paint thinners, nail polish removers, and cleaning agents, should never be poured down the drain. These substances can be highly toxic and can cause damage to your pipes and the environment.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Toxicity: Solvents and chemicals can be harmful to the environment and can contaminate water supplies.
- Pipe Damage: These substances can corrode your pipes and cause leaks.
Pro Tip:
Instead of pouring solvents and chemicals down the drain, take them to a designated hazardous waste disposal facility. Many municipalities have programs for safely disposing of these materials.
| Solvents and Chemicals | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Pouring them down the drain | Take them to a hazardous waste disposal facility |
8. Bones and Shellfish Shells
Bones and shellfish shells are too hard and fibrous for your garbage disposal to handle effectively. They can damage the blades of your disposal and get stuck in your pipes, leading to clogs and blockages.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Disposal Damage: Bones and shellfish shells can damage the blades of your garbage disposal.
- Clogging: These items can get stuck in your pipes and create blockages.
Pro Tip:
Instead of putting bones and shellfish shells down the drain, throw them in the trash. If you compost, make sure to use a compost bin that is designed to handle these types of materials.
| Bones and Shellfish Shells | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Putting them down the drain | Throw them in the trash or compost them |
9. Paper Products
Paper products, such as paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper, should never be put down the drain. These items can absorb water and expand, leading to clogs that are difficult to clear. Additionally, they can get caught in your garbage disposal and cause it to malfunction.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Clogging: Paper products can absorb water and expand, leading to clogs.
- Disposal Damage: These items can get caught in your garbage disposal and cause it to malfunction.
Pro Tip:
Instead of putting paper products down the drain, throw them in the trash. If you have a compost bin, you can compost some types of paper, but make sure they are free of any non-biodegradable materials.
| Paper Products | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Putting them down the drain | Throw them in the trash or compost them |
10. Pharmaceuticals and Medications
Pharmaceuticals and medications should never be disposed of down the drain or toilet. These substances can contaminate water supplies and harm the environment. They can also be harmful to aquatic life and can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Environmental Contamination: Pharmaceuticals and medications can contaminate water supplies and harm the environment.
- Health Risks: These substances can pose health risks to humans and animals.
Pro Tip:
Instead of disposing of pharmaceuticals and medications down the drain, take them to a designated disposal facility or a pharmacy that offers a take-back program. Many communities have programs for safely disposing of these materials.
| Pharmaceuticals and Medications | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|
| Disposing of them down the drain | Take them to a designated disposal facility |
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy and functioning plumbing system is essential for the comfort and safety of your home. By avoiding the items listed above, you can prevent clogs, avoid costly repairs, and ensure that your garbage disposal operates efficiently. Remember, a little effort in the kitchen can go a long way in protecting your pipes and the environment.
Final Thoughts
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Taking the time to properly dispose of these items can save you a lot of headaches and expenses in the long run. So, the next time you’re tempted to throw something down the drain, think twice and opt for a safer alternative.
By following these guidelines and using the resources available, you can keep your home’s plumbing system running smoothly and efficiently.