Your home’s plumbing system is one of its most essential components, and taking care of it can save you from costly repairs down the line. At Same Day Plumber, the trusted plumbers in Shelby Township MI we often encounter common mistakes that lead to clogged drains and expensive plumbing issues. To help you maintain a trouble-free system, here’s a list of 22 things you should never put down your drains.
1. Grease and Oil
Cooking grease and oil solidify as they cool, causing blockages in your pipes. Dispose of them in a sealed container instead.
2. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds clump together in water, leading to stubborn clogs. Toss them into your compost bin instead.
3. Eggshells
Eggshells can grind into small particles that mix with other debris to create blockages.
4. Pasta and Rice
These foods expand in water, making them a frequent cause of clogs.
5. Flour
Flour mixes with water to form a sticky paste that can obstruct your drains.
6. Bones
Large or small, bones are difficult to grind and can damage garbage disposals.
7. Fibrous Vegetables
Vegetables like celery, asparagus, and corn husks can tangle and jam your garbage disposal.
8. Fruit Pits
Hard fruit pits are tough on disposals and can become lodged in your pipes.
9. Paper Towels and Wipes
Even “flushable” wipes and paper towels don’t break down easily, leading to blockages.
10. Feminine Hygiene Products
Tampons and pads are not designed to decompose in water and can cause major clogs.
11. Diapers
Diapers expand in water, creating severe blockages that are difficult to remove.
12. Hair
Hair easily clumps together, creating stubborn clogs in bathroom drains.
13. Soap Scum
Over time, soap residue builds up, narrowing the diameter of your pipes.
14. Paint and Paint Thinner
Chemicals in these materials can damage your pipes and harm the environment.
15. Cleaning Products
Harsh chemicals can corrode your plumbing system. Dispose of them according to local hazardous waste guidelines.
16. Medications
Flushing medications can pollute water supplies and harm aquatic life.
17. Cat Litter
Even “flushable” cat litter can expand and clog your pipes.
18. Produce Stickers
Small and seemingly harmless, these stickers don’t dissolve in water and can cause buildup in your pipes.
19. Cooking Scraps
Avoid rinsing leftover food scraps into the sink; they can combine with grease to form clogs.
20. Household Chemicals
Drain cleaners and other harsh chemicals can erode pipes and create more significant problems over time.
21. Dirt
Washing large amounts of dirt down your drain can accumulate and clog your pipes.
22. Toys and Small Objects
Keep small objects away from drains to prevent accidental clogs.
Trust the Experts at Same Day Plumber
Taking proactive steps to protect your plumbing can save you from costly repairs. If you’re dealing with stubborn clogs or need professional advice, reach out to Same Day Plumber. As experienced plumbers in Shelby Township, MI, we’re here to provide fast, reliable service whenever you need it.
Don’t let a clogged drain disrupt your day. Contact Same Day Plumber for expert assistance and keep your plumbing system in top shape!