Did they really mean everything but the kitchen sink? Your mother may have used this saying as a way to help you sort through a problem or perhaps one of her favorite homemade recipes. But when it comes to your plumbing, you may not want to follow that saying. Seriously, don’t put everything in the sink. It’s not worth the risk of a clogged drain. By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your sink running smoothly and prevent clogged pipes:
- Don’t put grease or oil down the drain. Grease and oil can solidify and build up in your pipes, causing a clog. If you have to dispose of grease or oil, pour it into a container and throw it away in the trash.
- Don’t put stringy foods down the drain. Stringy foods like pasta, rice, and celery can wrap around the drain trap and cause a clog. If you have to dispose of stringy foods, chop them up into small pieces first.
- Don’t put bread or other starchy foods down the drain. Bread and other starchy foods can also swell up and clog your pipes. If you have to dispose of bread or other starchy foods, break them up into small pieces first.
- Don’t put fatty foods down the drain. Fatty foods like bacon grease and chicken fat can solidify and build up in your pipes, causing a clog. If you have to dispose of fatty foods, pour them into a container and throw it away in the trash.
- Don’t put eggshells down the drain. Eggshells can be sharp and can damage the drain trap. If you have to dispose of eggshells, put them in the trash.
- Don’t put coffee grounds down the drain. Coffee grounds can also be a problem for your pipes. They can get caught in the drain trap and cause a clog. If you have to dispose of coffee grounds, put them in the trash.
These items can clog your drains and cause expensive repairs. It’s best to err on the side of caution and throw them away instead of flushing them down the toilet or pouring them down the drain.
Here are some additional tips for disposing of personal hygiene items:
- Contraceptives: Wrap them in toilet paper and throw them in the trash.
- Cotton balls and paper towels: Put them in the trash.
- Medications: Take them to a pharmacy or hospital for disposal.
- Old paint or craft glue: Put them in the trash.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your drains clean and your pipes in good condition.
