As we all know, the kitchen sink is one of the most frequently used areas in a home. It’s where we wash our dishes, rinse our fruits and vegetables, and dispose of food waste. However, as convenient as it is to pour everything down the drain, not everything suits it.
Pouring the wrong things down the drain can cause clogging and other more severe problems. These are some things you shouldn’t pour down your drain.
Grease and Oil
We all habitually pour the leftover oil or grease from our cooking down the drain. However, you shouldn’t pour oil and grease down the drain as these liquids harden and stick to the pipes, causing clogs and eventually blocking the drain. Instead, wipe off any excess oil or grease with a paper towel and dispose of it in the trash.
Coffee Grounds
Although it may seem harmless, coffee grounds should not go down the drain. They accumulate and clump together, forming blockages in the sink and pipes, leading to clogs and slow drainage. Instead, use a compost bin to dispose of your coffee grounds.
Eggshells
Eggshells have a membrane that can quickly jam the garbage disposal blades. When ground up, the membrane strings tangle around the blades, creating a blockage. So instead of disposing of eggshells in the garbage disposal or the sink, break them apart and dispose of them in the trash.
Pasta and Rice
When you pour pasta and rice down the drain, they will continue to swell once they come into contact with water, which can lead to blockages. They can also cause your garbage disposal to break. A better approach is to dispose of them in your trash.
Chemicals
As tempting as it might be to pour chemicals such as cleaning solutions and bleach down the drain to create a clean and clear drain, you shouldn’t, as most of these chemicals are corrosive and can lead to pipe damage over time. Learning why you should avoid using liquid drain cleaners and choosing natural methods to clean your drains is best.
These are some of the essential things you should avoid pouring down your drain to avoid any plumbing issues. Instead, dispose of them in the trash or through environmentally friendly composting. Maintaining your kitchen drain will save you costly and time-consuming repairs. Remember, a little carelessness and oversight in our everyday kitchen routine can lead to severe plumbing issues.
