After a long day, it’s easy to fall into autopilot mode while cleaning up, casually flushing things away without a second thought. But some of these actions — like scraping coffee grounds into the kitchen sink drain or flushing kitty litter down the toilet — can lead to costly plumbing issues. In fact, many common items can cause clogged pipes, disrupt the water supply, or even damage the plumbing system. To keep your drains clear and your pipes running smoothly, it’s essential to know what you can and can’t put down the drain. Here’s a handy guide to help you avoid the pitfalls of improper drain use.
Things That Can Go Down the Drain
While some items are strictly off-limits for your drains, certain things can go down the drain without causing problems. Here are a few:
Small Food Particles (in Moderation)
If you have a garbage disposal, small food particles are usually safe, as long as they’re cut up into manageable sizes. Foods like soft vegetables or small fruit scraps can go down the disposal with plenty of cold water to help wash them through. However, large pieces should go in the compost bin or trashcan instead.
Dish Soap & Mild Household Cleaners
Liquid dish soap and mild household cleaners are safe for your drain, as long as they’re biodegradable and used sparingly. Keep in mind that harsh chemicals can cause erosion in pipes over time, so avoid pouring highly acidic or alkaline cleaners (such as store-bought drain cleaners) down the drain.
Toilet Paper (in Reasonable Quantities)
Toilet paper is designed to break down quickly in water, so it’s safe to flush in small amounts. However, using excessive amounts can still lead to clogged drains, especially in older plumbing systems. Help your kids understand how much toilet paper they should be using on each go to prevent unexpected issues.
Additionally, it’s helpful to note that even the type of toilet paper you use could affect how well your toilet flushes. If you notice your toilet is sluggish to flush, it could be that the paper ply is too heavy. Try using paper with fewer plies and see if that resolves the issue of a sluggish toilet.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar can help clean your drains naturally by breaking down grease buildup. They’re a safer option for drain cleaning than harsh chemicals and can help keep things flowing smoothly without harming your pipes.
Things That Can’t Go Down the Drain
Do you know that there are some items that should never be put down the drain? Avoid flushing the following items to protect your plumbing system from clogged pipes, leaks, and other problems:
Coffee Grounds
One of the top culprits of kitchen sink clogs is coffee grounds. They don’t dissolve in water, and when they collect in the drain, they can create a sludge that clogs pipes over time. Instead of tossing coffee grounds in the drain, try composting them or using them in the garden as a fertilizer.
Grease, Oil, & Fat
When poured down the drain, these substances cool and solidify, leading to blockages that are difficult to remove. Instead of putting them in your kitchen sink drain, let the grease or oil cool in a container, then dispose of it in the trash.
Kitty Litter
Although some cat litters are marketed as flushable, it’s best never to flush kitty litter down the toilet. Most litters contain materials that can easily clog pipes, and some contain harmful bacteria that can contaminate the water supply. Disposing of litter in a biodegradable bag is a much safer alternative.
Paper Towels & Tissues
Paper towels and tissues don’t break down as easily as toilet paper, so they can quickly lead to clogged pipes. Even though they may seem like a similar product, they’re designed for absorption and can clog the toilet or any drain.
Flushable Wipes
Despite being labeled as “flushable,” these wipes don’t break down like toilet paper does. Instead, they often clump together in pipes, creating blockages that can damage plumbing systems and lead to costly repairs. Always dispose of flushable wipes in the trash to keep your drains clear.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons, pads, and other feminine hygiene products should never be flushed down the toilet. These items are not designed to disintegrate in water, so they often become lodged in pipes, leading to stubborn and costly blockages.
Produce Stickers
It may seem insignificant, but produce stickers can cause problems in household drains. These small stickers don’t dissolve in water and can clog pipes, get stuck on filters, or even make their way to water treatment facilities, where they can cause mechanical issues. Always remove produce stickers before washing fruits and vegetables.
Medications
Flushing medications down the drain can introduce chemicals into the water supply that may harm aquatic life and potentially impact public health. Instead, dispose of unused medications at designated drop-off locations, such as pharmacies or community disposal events.
Eggshells
Eggshells are often believed to help clean garbage disposals, but they actually do more harm than good. When ground up, eggshells create a sand-like residue that can clog pipes and damage the disposal blades. It’s best to throw eggshells in the compost bin.
Clear Your Drains With Professional Drain Cleaning
Knowing what can and can’t go down the drain is essential to avoid plumbing headaches and keep your home’s drains clear. If you’ve got a clogged drain, suspect a bigger plumbing issue, or just want advice on maintaining your plumbing system with timely repairs, preventative drain cleaning, and backflow devices, the professionals at TKO Plumbing Services are here to help. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can address all your plumbing needs.
