It’s a common misconception that garbage disposals can handle anything you throw at it. Unfortunately, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While throwing all of your scraps down the drain may be tempting, doing so can result in a plumbing disaster down the road and the need for drain cleaning services. Not only can it cause unpleasant clogs, but it can also seriously damage your pipes.
That’s why knowing what you should and shouldn’t put down your drain is essential. Whether it’s coffee grinds or chicken bones, there are certain things that just shouldn’t be tossed into the garbage disposal. By being mindful of what goes down your drain, you can save yourself from a hefty plumbing bill later on.
Seafood Shells
Many of us immediately think of eggshells when it comes to foods that shouldn’t go down the drain. However, another food group also poses a threat – seafood shells. While they may seem small and harmless, they can actually wreak havoc on your garbage disposal and lead to frustrating blockages. It’s best to dispose of them properly in your garbage can rather than risk damage to your plumbing.
So next time you’re enjoying a seafood feast, remember to toss those shells in the trash instead of down the drain. Your disposal (and wallet) will thank you.
Flour
Have you ever noticed that flour and water create a sticky glue-like substance when mixed together? While this may be great for arts and crafts projects, it’s not so great when it builds up in your pipes. The sticky mixture can cause serious clogs and blockages, preventing water and waste from properly flowing through.
And it’s not just a problem for your pipes – other food waste can easily get stuck to the flour paste on the way down, leading to even more blockages and potentially costly repairs. So next time you’re mixing up some flour and water for a recipe, be sure to dispose of any excess properly and avoid pouring it down the drain.
WATER LEAK DETECTION
Grease, Oils, And Fats
Nobody enjoys plumbing issues, but unfortunately, certain substances in the kitchen can wreak havoc on your pipes. Bacon grease, meat fat, and other similar materials are seemingly innocent enough on their own, but when combined, they can create a dreaded trifecta of plumbing problems.
These substances have a nasty habit of coagulating and adhering to pipes, creating blockages that can cause sewer overflows. Unsurprisingly, these culprits account for almost 50 percent of all sewer issues in the United States. If you’re facing a growing pile of bacon grease, it’s best to take precautions to avoid plumbing issues and dispose of it properly by cooling it off and tossing it in the trash.
Rice And Pasta
Have you ever put pasta down your drain and then discovered that it caused a blockage in your pipes? As it turns out, your drainpipe has a fixed width, and once you put pasta down the drain, it continues to absorb liquid and swell, taking up more space than you could have predicted. The cause of the swelling is semolina, a flour made from durum wheat. This same culprit is the reason you should never put flour down your sink drain.
It’s not just pasta and flour either; rice will also continue to take in water and expand, becoming soggier and stickier by the minute. This makes it pretty clear that you definitely don’t want to allow substances like these to go down your pipes. Stick to throwing them in the trash, and you’ll avoid a messy and costly disaster down the line.
Paint
Are you tired of a small DIY project that you have just finished, or do you have leftover paint from changing your walls? If so, you may wish to pour the remaining paint down the drain, but taking a few extra steps to dispose of it safely is essential. Putting the paint in the drain will coat the pipes and harden them, leading to future clogs. Instead, clean your paintbrushes in a special solvent and wipe them down with paper towels.
For leftover latex paint, let it dry up or use materials like kitty litter or sawdust to speed up the drying process before disposing of it in the garbage. Keep in mind that oil paint is hazardous, and it’s essential to dispose of it properly at a local drop-off center. Not only will this make your home safe, but it will also prevent potential environmental hazards.
What Can I Put Down The Kitchen Drain?
There are a few categories to remember when it comes to the items you can safely throw down your kitchen drain. Soft foods, such as easily chewable items, are typically safe for your plumbing system as long as you have a garbage disposal installed. Most liquids are also fair game; make sure to avoid oils or melted fats like butter and margarine.
You can dispose of some vegetables this way but try to avoid fibrous or starchy options like broccoli. Lastly, certain leftovers can also go down the drain, with some exceptions for hard, sticky, starchy, or oily items. Keeping these guidelines in mind will help maintain the integrity of your plumbing system while making it easy to eliminate unwanted items.
Kinnett Plumbing: Drain Cleaning Services In Woodbridge
If you’re dealing with a clogged drain, you know just how frustrating it can be. It’s tempting to try to ignore the problem and hope it will go away, but that’s not the best course of action. Not only can a clogged drain cause water damage to your home, but it can also lead to foul smells that can make your living space unpleasant. That’s why it’s important to call in the experts at Kinnett Plumbing.
We have years of experience dealing with clogged drains, and we have the latest equipment to get your drains flowing freely again. Plus, we offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can feel confident that you’ll be happy with the results. Don’t wait any longer to get your drains back to normal. Contact Kinnett Plumbing today.
