What Not to Put Down the Sink

Grease and oil, certain foods can stick to the sides of plumbing pipes and do not break down easily inside a garbage disposal.

Many homeowners unknowingly put items down a sink that can cause clogs to develop. It's essential to be careful what goes down the sink drain to avoid blockages and maintain an efficient plumbing system. Consider the following items commonly disposed of down the kitchen sink that cause significant blockages.

Dental floss

Dental floss is excellent for daily oral care but should never be disposed of down the sink. Floss is not biodegradable and can become stuck in the drain pipes, making it easier for additional items washed down the drain to become stuck and ultimately cause a drain blockage.

Cooking grease

Cooking grease and oil are often washed down the kitchen sink with other food scraps, but these liquids solidify as they cool, meaning they cause major blockages in the plumbing. Grease and oil may make it partially down the drain, enough to be out of sight, but usually cannot wash entirely through the drain pipe. Everything washed down the drain after the grease can become caught in the same spot, gradually blocking off the drain pipe completely. It may even result in a broken pipe and a required drain repair. Running the garbage disposal does not help the situation, as grease and oil pass through the disposal blades as a liquid and then later solidify. The only safe way to dispose of grease and cooking oil is to place them in a separate container or the trash.

Food scraps

Garbage disposals are useful and efficient as long as homeowners understand what the system can and cannot process. Like grease and oil, certain foods can stick to the sides of plumbing pipes and do not break down easily inside a garbage disposal. For example, pasta and rice can expand within plumbing pipes as they absorb passing water, causing them to become stuck inside the pipe and trapping other food particles over time, ultimately causing a clog. Once a clog has formed, professional assistance to resolve the blockage is necessary.

Hair

Though not as common in the kitchen drain, hair is the most usual thing to go down other drains in the house. Regardless of the type of drain or where the hair comes from, it's susceptible to causing blockages. Drain screens are a quick and easy solution in the shower or bathtub that ensure hair does not collect inside the drain.

Medications

There are many concerns surrounding medication, but usually not where it could end up in the plumbing system. However, if flushed or rinsed into drains, medication can end up in the local community water system and may harm the drinking water or wildlife. It's easy to drop small tablets down the drain accidentally, but homeowners who take medication should be careful not to take them over the sink or to have a screen to prevent small objects from falling down the sink drain.

Homeowners should keep these items in mind and be careful not to let them fall down the drain. However, should a clog develop despite careful efforts, contact a local professional to resolve the problem. If left for too long, clogs can permanently damage the plumbing and require more advanced repairs. Plumbing is an essential part of any home, so care for it as carefully as possible.

Simba Plumbing offers residential and commercial plumbing services to Phoenix and surrounding areas. We are family-owned, meticulous and provide affordable, transparent pricing. Call us at 602-962-3537.