What Not To Put Down The Drain

Clogged sinks, septic tank issues, and other problems with your plumbing could be avoided if you know what not to put down the drain. After all, the last thing you want is to deal with costly repairs caused by carelessness. To help, let’s go over certain kitchen products and household items you should never put down the drain.

Things You Should Steer Clear of Flushing and Draining

While this isn’t a comprehensive list of what not to put down your kitchen drain — or any drain for that matter — here are a few examples of common household or cooking waste products people frequently ask about.

1. Flour — Think of how sticky flour is when it’s wet. Now imagine that sticking to the inside of your home’s pipes. Not only might this mess of coagulated flour and water slow down the drain, but it can also snag other bits and scraps on the way down resulting in a clogged pipe. Next time you have extra flour, be sure to toss it into the garbage instead.
2. Rice — Rice swells when mixed with water and, therefore, shouldn’t go down the drain. If you do have rice grains creating a clog, one solution for how to dissolve rice in a drain is to pour boiling water into it. You may need to do this multiple times to successfully clear it away for good.
3. Pasta — Just like rice, cooked and uncooked pasta should also be kept away from the drain. People often wonder, “does pasta water clog drains?” The answer is it depends on the sink and the condition of the pipes. While the starchy water left behind after cooking and straining pasta can coagulate, it shouldn’t be enough to clog up the pipes on its own. Still, it’s best to let it cool and then run the disposal while dumping it.
4. Coffee grounds — Another common question plumbers get is, “is it OK to put coffee grounds down the sink?” The answer is no. In fact, coffee grounds are the most common cause of drain problems as they can build up and cause blockages in your pipes. You should toss any grounds in the trash or use them composting from here on out.
5. Oils, Greases, and Fats — Last but not least, these problematic kitchen staples are leading contributors to drain blockages and should be discarded elsewhere. That includes salad dressings, mayonnaise, and other products containing oils. Remember to put these products in jars for disposal and into the garbage to protect your plumbing from unnecessary damage.

Keeping Your Home in Tip-Top Shape

Hopefully this list of what not to put in the septic tank by letting it go down the drain helps. However, if the time comes when you’re having an issue with the plumbing system, be sure to reach out to the experts. Otherwise, you risk the problem getting out of hand.

The same goes for other parts of the house. Here at Gene May Heating & Cooling, our technicians can help you with any heating- and cooling-related installation, replacement, repair, and preventive maintenance. Reach out today to schedule service for your next routine inspection and maintenance!