Top 4 Things Not to Send Down the Drain

Maintaining your drains’ health is crucial, which means being mindful of what goes down them. While water and human waste are the typical safe options, several other common items can cause significant issues in your pipes. 

In this article, we will highlight four top offenders that should never find their way into your drains. By avoiding these substances, you can prevent drain problems and keep your plumbing in excellent condition.

4 Items That Shouldn’t Go Down the Drain

1. Fats, Oils, or Grease: Although fats, oils, and grease may appear liquid when hot, they solidify as they cool down, leading to potential pipe blockages. To avoid this, it is best to allow these substances to cool in a jar or can before disposing of them in the trash. This simple step lets you spare your pipes from clogs and maintain their smooth operation.
2. Tissues, Paper Towels, or “Flushable” Wipes: While toilet paper is designed to break down easily in water, tissues and paper towels break down much more slowly, if at all. Flushing these items down the toilet can result in substantial blockages, causing trouble not only in your pipes but also in the main sewer system. Similarly, “flushable” wipes are misleading and do not disintegrate like toilet paper. Flushing them down the toilet is akin to flushing sturdy paper towels, which can lead to persistent clogs. It is strongly advised to dispose of these items in the trash and reserve the toilet exclusively for human waste and toilet paper.
3. Flammable or Explosive Substances: It is essential to exercise caution when considering what substances to dispose of down the drain. Flammable or explosive materials such as paints, thinners, and lighter fluids should never be poured down the drain. These substances can react with other elements in the pipes, posing a risk to the environment. To safely dispose of such hazardous waste, it is best to utilize designated facilities specifically equipped to handle these materials.
4. Eggshells: Although some garbage disposals may claim to handle eggshells, it is generally best to avoid sending them down the drain. Garbage disposals grind the eggshells into small bits, which can then combine with grease to form clogs in the pipes. Moreover, the membranes found inside eggshells can wrap around the grinder, leading to further complications. To prevent these issues, discarding eggshells in the trash is advisable rather than risking potential drain blockages.

By being mindful of what goes down your drains, you can greatly reduce the risk of encountering drain problems. Avoiding substances such as fats, oils, or grease, as well as tissues, paper towels, “flushable” wipes, flammable or explosive materials, and eggshells, will help maintain the proper functioning of your drains.

Contact Beacon Home Services for Your Drain Needs

Should you encounter drain issues, it is recommended to seek assistance from a trusted professional. If you’re in need of drain services, Beacon Home Services is here to help!

Our dedicated drain technicians can identify the problem and provide appropriate solutions. Contact us today or easily schedule an appointment on our website for reliable assistance in maintaining your drains’ optimal performance.