Wednesday, February 26, 2025 / by Bell Home Team
Think Before You Pour: What NOT to Put Down Your Drain
Keeping your home’s plumbing in good shape isn’t just about fixing leaks—it’s about preventing them in the first place! One of the easiest ways to avoid costly repairs is to be mindful of what you pour down the drain. Some common household items can cause serious clogs, pipe damage, and even environmental harm. Before you rinse that plate or dump out leftover cooking oil, check out this list of things that should never go down the drain.
1. Grease, Fat, and Oil
It might be a liquid when hot, but grease quickly solidifies as it cools, sticking to your pipes and leading to major blockages. Instead, pour grease into a container, let it harden, and throw it in the trash.
2. Coffee Grounds
You’d think something as fine as coffee grounds would wash away easily, but they actually clump together due to their oily nature and form stubborn clogs over time. Toss them in the compost or trash instead!
3. Eggshells
While they seem harmless, eggshells break into tiny, sharp pieces that mix with other debris to create tough clogs. Plus, their membranes can wrap around garbage disposal blades, reducing efficiency.
4. Flour and Starchy Foods
Think of how flour thickens sauces—now imagine that happening inside your pipes! Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and potatoes can swell with water and create a glue-like substance that leads to clogs.
5. Medications
Flushing old prescriptions or over-the-counter medications can contaminate the water supply, harming aquatic life. Instead, check for a local medication take-back program or dispose of them properly per FDA guidelines.
6. Household Cleaners and Chemicals
Harsh chemicals, like bleach and drain cleaners, can corrode pipes and introduce toxins into the water system. Pouring excessive amounts of cleaning products down drains or toilets can also have a negative impact on household septic systems. Opt for eco-friendly cleaning alternatives whenever possible.
7. Paint and DIY Materials
Whether it's latex or oil-based, paint should never go down the drain. It can coat pipes and introduce harmful chemicals into the environment. Instead, let leftover paint dry out completely and dispose of it properly.
Protect Your Home & The Environment
Being mindful of what goes down your drain can save you from expensive plumbing repairs and help protect the environment. When in doubt, throw it out—or find an eco-friendly disposal method!
