Never Put These 13 Things Down Your Drain

Clogged drains are a common and frustrating plumbing issue. Drain blockages disrupt water flow, create foul odours, and can lead to sewer backups and expensive repairs. Many clogs result from pouring problematic materials down the drain over time. Learning what not to put down your sinks and drains is critical to preventing clogs and maintaining free-flowing plumbing.

Why Do Drain Clog?

Drains often become clogged due to the gradual accumulation of various materials that hinder water flow. One of the most common culprits is grease, oil, and fat, which can solidify when they cool, creating persistent pipe blockages. Similarly, food scraps can clump together, especially when they mix with other organic materials, leading to stubborn obstructions. Hair is another frequent offender; it intertwines with soap residue and other debris, creating tangled masses that can quickly restrict drainage.

Over time, these clogs can become severe, necessitating professional snaking or drain cleaning services to restore normal flow. To mitigate these issues, it’s essential to be mindful of what goes down the drain. Avoiding the disposal of grease, fibrous food scraps, and hair can significantly reduce the likelihood of clogs, saving you from the frustration and expense of plumbing problems. Regular maintenance and mindful habits can go a long way in keeping your drains clear.

13 Things to Keep Out of Your Drains

Here are 13 substances that should never go down your sinks and drains:

• Food Scraps – Fruits, vegetables, eggshells and other food debris clump up and clog pipes. Compost food instead of putting it down the drain. Use sink strainers to catch particles.
• Fats, Oils and Grease – Cooking oils and meat fats solidify into sticky blockages when poured down drains. Collect grease in cans for proper disposal instead.
• Starchy Foods – Pasta, rice, and potatoes expand in water and stick to pipes. The flour turns to paste. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
• Coffee Grounds – Grounds compact and form dense clumps when washed down the drain, leading to clogged pipes.
• Hair – Strands of hair get tangled in pipes and collect debris. Catch hair with drain covers rather than rinsing down the drain.
• Dental Floss and Q-tips—These winding materials wrap around pipes and cause stubborn clogs. Never flush down toilets, either.
• Kitty Litter – Clumping kitty litter expands when wet, clinging inside pipes. Scoop solid waste into trash bags instead.
• Diapers – Soiled diapers swell up and clog pipes. Use diaper pails to contain waste.
• Condoms –  Latex and rubber stick to pipe walls, trapping debris and restricting flow. Please put them in the trash instead.
• Sanitary Pads and tampons—The cotton and fibres in these products snag on pipes. Use waste bins to contain hygienic products.
• Paper Towels & Napkins – These materials fragment and cause obstructions. Put paper products in compost instead.
• Garden Debris & Soil – Dirt contains minerals that solidify when wet. Compost plant trimmings and dispose of soil responsibly.
• Chemicals & Toxic Substances – Harsh cleaners, paints, and automotive fluids corrode pipes and damage septic systems. Take these products to hazard disposal sites instead.

Preventing Clogs is Better Than Clearing Them

Preventing clogs is far more effective than dealing with them after they occur. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as avoiding problematic materials can save you from costly repairs, sewer backups, and potential damage caused by water leaks. Regular maintenance and mindful practices can significantly reduce the risk of clogs in your plumbing system. Simple actions, such as using drain covers to catch hair and food particles, can make a big difference. Additionally, steering clear of pouring grease, oil, or fibrous foods down the drain helps maintain clear pipes.

If you encounter a stubborn clog that won’t budge with a plunger or snake, contacting a professional plumber is crucial. Attempting to clear severe blockages without proper tools and expertise can lead to further damage. Call The Plumbing Life Saver at 0448 669 938 for exceptional drain cleaning and plumbing services. Our skilled technicians can quickly diagnose and resolve plumbing issues, protecting your home from the adverse effects of clogged drains.

By implementing intelligent drain use and seeking timely professional help, you can safeguard your plumbing system and ensure a hassle-free home experience.