Don't Put These 10 Things Down the Drain

We’re all guilty of rinsing things down the sink without a second thought, but certain items can lead to clogged pipes and environmental damage. Here are 10 everyday things you should avoid putting down your drain, no matter how convenient it seems.

1. Grease and Oils

Whether it’s bacon grease or leftover salad dressing, oils and fats solidify as they cool. They stick to your pipes and trap other debris, causing blockages. Instead, let them harden and toss them in the trash.

2. Pasta

It may seem harmless, but pasta continues to expand in water, even after it’s cooked. That means it can swell inside your pipes and lead to serious blockages. Pasta’s starchy makeup also makes it sticky, so it clings to pipe walls.

3. Coffee Grounds

Despite their tiny size, coffee grounds clump together in water and form a thick, sludge-like material that can clog your pipes over time. They’re great for composting, but keep them out of the sink.

4. Eggshells

Eggshells might look small enough to slip through, but their sharp edges catch onto other debris and build up into tough clogs. Even if you have a garbage disposal, they’re better off in the compost.

5. Flour

Flour and water are a recipe for paste - and not the kind you want in your pipes. Flour sticks to the walls of your plumbing and attracts other particles, turning into a dense, sticky clog.

6. Paint

Paint may seem harmless since it’s a liquid, but its chemicals can coat your pipes and even damage water treatment facilities. If you have leftover paint, let it dry before disposal, or ask your local paint store for tips on the safest way to dispose of paint.

7. Rice

Like pasta, rice expands when it absorbs water. That means even small amounts can swell in your drain and cause blockages. Keep rice out of the sink and toss it in the trash instead.

8. Produce Stickers

These little stickers often get washed down the drain when rinsing fruits and veggies. They don’t dissolve in water and can block your pipes or interfere with water treatment systems.

9. Cleaning Products

Most liquid cleaning products are full of harsh chemicals that can erode pipes over time or end up in waterways, where they harm marine ecosystems. Dispose of leftover cleaning products properly, rather than pouring them down the sink.

10. Medications

Flushing expired or unused medications can lead to chemicals entering the water supply, harming marine life and potentially contaminating drinking water. Instead, dispose of them at a pharmacy or a medical waste facility.

It’s tempting to wash small items down the drain, but over time, they can build up and cause major plumbing issues. Next time, think before you rinse - your pipes (and the environment) will thank you.

References: 12 Things You Shouldn’t Pour Down the Drain | Drainage Problems: 20 Things You Should Never Put Down the Drain