Ordinary Household Items To Keep Out of Drains

Drains are specifically designed to handle and safely remove wastewater from your home, but some people see them as a convenient catch-all for disposing of any type of liquid or debris. This inevitably leads to clogs and backups, damage to the plumbing system, and even potential environmental hazards. As the trusted local plumber in Simi Valley, CA, Roberts Plumbing Hydro Jet & Rooter digs deeper into the items commonly found in your home that should never end up in your drains.

Cooking Oil and Grease

Pouring these substances down the drain may seem like a quick way to dispose of them, but they tend to solidify and create a sticky coating inside pipes. This buildup narrows pipe passages, traps other debris, and can eventually cause complete blockages. Over time, these grease deposits can lead to severe plumbing issues that require professional intervention and costly plumbing repairs.

A better option is to allow grease and cooking oil to cool and transfer it into a sealable container. Throw away the container in the regular trash, or check with local recycling facilities to see if they accept used cooking oil for composting or biofuel production.

Coffee Grounds

Do you rinse coffee grounds down the sink without a second thought? Despite their fine texture, coffee grounds are notorious for creating significant drain problems that would necessitate expert plumbing services. Unlike some organic waste, they don’t dissolve in water and tend to clump together—creating dense masses that accumulate in pipes. When combined with grease or other debris, these clumps can cause blockages and provide an ideal environment for bacteria growth. It is better to dispose of coffee grounds in the trash or use them in compost for plants.

Medication

Flushing medication down the drain or toilet might seem like a no-brainer, but it can have serious environmental consequences. Many wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove pharmaceutical chemicals or compounds from the water supply. This means that traces of medication can end up in rivers, lakes, and even drinking water sources. A safer way to dispose of medication is to take it to a pharmacy or a designated medication disposal site.

Flushable Wipes

Despite being labeled as “flushable,” baby wipes, cleaning wipes, and makeup remover wipes do not break down easily like toilet paper does. These products can clog sewer systems and cause major blockages in wastewater treatment plants as well. Station a garbage bin in the bathroom to properly dispose of wipes and other personal hygiene products—like tampons and sanitary pads—and only flush toilet paper.

Paint

Washing paint down the drain can introduce harmful chemicals into the water supply and damage your plumbing. Whether it is oil-based or water-based, paint contains substances that can build up inside pipes. In some areas, it is also illegal to dispose of paint improperly. A much better solution is to let leftover paint dry and dispose of it according to local waste disposal regulations.

Cotton Balls and Swabs

While cotton products are soft and seemingly harmless, they do not dissolve in water. Instead, they can absorb liquid and expand, making it easier for them to get stuck in pipes. Whether you use them to remove makeup, clean your ears, or for other purposes, throw them in the trash can once you’re done instead of going through the extra effort of trying to flush them down the toilet.

Dental Floss

Not many would think of dental floss as a potential plumbing hazard, but it’s a surprise you’d rather avoid. Dental floss is not biodegradable and can easily get tangled with other objects such as hair and form obstructions in your drains. Like the other items previously mentioned, make it a habit to throw used dental floss in the trash after use.

Need Expert Drain Cleaning? Get In Touch With Us!

Roberts Plumbing Hydro Jet & Rooter is your go-to expert for all drain or sewer-related concerns. We are a licensed, bonded, and insured plumbing company that has been providing quality services for over 25 years. Our team of experienced professionals is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and techniques to handle any clogs or blockages and restore proper flow to your drainage system. Call us today or schedule an appointment through our online form.