What Not to Put Down Your Drain: A Guide from Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing
Every year, the day after Thanksgiving is a busy day of the year for plumbers. Without fail, our number one call is for clogged drains. After a day of cooking, hosting, and cleaning up after a big feast, homeowners discover their drains have had enough. But these emergency calls are almost always preventable with a little knowledge about what should—and shouldn't—go down your drains.
The Usual Suspects: What Never Belongs in Your Drain
Grease, Fats, and Oils
This is the biggest culprit behind clogged drains, especially during the holidays. Whether it's turkey drippings, bacon grease, or butter, these substances might be liquid when hot, but they solidify as they cool in your pipes. Over time, they create stubborn blockages that can be expensive to remove. Instead, pour cooled grease into a disposable container and throw it in the trash.
Coffee Grounds
Despite being small, coffee grounds don't break down in water. They clump together and create a sludge that can clog your pipes. Toss them in the compost or trash instead.
Pasta, Rice, and Expandable Foods
These foods continue to expand when exposed to water, even after they've been cooked. What starts as a small amount can swell up and create a serious blockage in your pipes.
Eggshells
The membrane inside eggshells can wrap around your garbage disposal blades, and the shells themselves can create sand-like particles that stick to grease and other debris in your pipes.
Potato Peels
Potato peels are starchy and can form a thick paste in your pipes, especially when combined with other debris. They're also tough on garbage disposal blades.
Flour
Ever made paste as a kid with flour and water? That's exactly what happens in your pipes. Flour becomes gluey when wet and can coat your pipes and trap other materials.
Fibrous Vegetables
Celery, asparagus, corn husks, and other fibrous vegetables have stringy fibers that can wrap around garbage disposal blades and tangle in your pipes. Cut them into small pieces and throw them in the trash or compost.
Produce Stickers
Those little stickers on fruits and vegetables might seem harmless, but they don't break down in water and can stick to your pipes or the mechanisms in your garbage disposal.
Medication
Not only can medications contaminate the water supply, but pills can also fail to dissolve properly and contribute to clogs. Most pharmacies have take-back programs for unused medications.
Paper Products
Paper towels, wipes (even "flushable" ones), cotton balls, and feminine hygiene products don't break down like toilet paper. They're designed to stay intact when wet, which means they'll stay intact in your pipes too.
Got a Clogged Drain?
If you do find yourself with a
clogged drain, don't reach for harsh chemical drain cleaners. These can damage your pipes and often don't solve the underlying problem. Instead, give Kirkland and Shaw Plumbing a call at
(781) 272-2670. We'll get your drains flowing freely again and offer advice on preventing future clogs.
Special Note About Garbage Disposals
Having a garbage disposal doesn't mean everything can go down your drain. Disposals are meant for small food scraps that rinse off plates, not as a replacement for your trash can. Even with a disposal, all the items listed above should still be avoided.
The Bottom Line
The best way to avoid becoming one of our emergency calls is to treat your drains with care. When in doubt, throw it out in the trash or compost, that is. A few extra seconds at the trash can during cleanup can save you from an expensive plumbing bill and the headache of dealing with a clogged drain during the holidays or any other time.
Remember: your drains are a gateway, not a garbage can. Treat them right, and they'll serve you well for years to come.
Steve's Corner - Kirkland and Shaw Blog
