5 Things You Should Never Pour Down Your Sink: Preventing Plumbing Catastrophes

Written on the 22 April 2024

Homeownership comes with its fair share of responsibilities, one of which is maintaining your home's plumbing system. One wrong move can lead to a disastrous and costly plumbing nightmare. It's not just about what goes down the toilet; the kitchen sink can be the beginning of a whole slew of problems if you're not careful. Here are our top 5 common household items that should never find their way down your sink to keep your pipes clear and your home free from flooding.

The Greasy Foe: Oil

Cooking oil might seem harmless – it's liquid, after all. However, once it cools, it solidifies and sticks to the walls of your pipes. Over time, this build-up can cause clogs that are hard to remove. Instead, pour excess oil into an old container and dispose of it with your regular rubbish.

Coffee Grounds: The Stealthy Culprit

Coffee grounds are deceptive; they appear fine and seem like they’d easily pass through your pipes. But instead, they often settle in the drainage system, accumulating and eventually blocking the flow of water. It's better to add them to your compost pile or straight into the garbage.

Expandable Foods: Rice & Pasta

These kitchen staples can spell doom for your drainage system. Both rice and pasta continue to expand when exposed to water – even after they're fully cooked. Flushing them down can lead to blockages over time, as they bloat and prevent other waste from passing through. Dispose of them in your bin instead.

Liquid Disguise: Paint

It may flow smoothly into your sink, but paint is a no-go for your pipes. Not only can it contribute to blockages, but many paints contain harmful chemicals that shouldn't be part of our water system. Leftover paint should be disposed of according to local regulations, often available at hazardous waste facilities.

Sharp and Hard: Eggshells

While we typically think of eggshells as easily crushable, they can be sharp enough to damage the blades of your garbage disposal unit and hard enough to get caught in your pipes. It’s best to toss them right into the compost or trash can.

By minding what goes down your sink, you can prevent many common plumbing problems. Always think twice before disposing of anything down your kitchen sink – it could save you from a call to the plumber.

When Disaster Strikes

Despite your best efforts, plumbing issues can still arise. Clogged sinks can quickly escalate to more significant plumbing disasters. If you find yourself facing such a situation, don’t hesitate to call on Doctor Plumbing & Gas. Whether it's routine maintenance or emergency repairs, they can ensure that your plumbing needs are met with professionalism and expertise.

If you need professional plumbing services or advice, don't wait until it's too late – reach out to Doctor Plumbing & Gas today. Our team of skilled plumbers is ready to tackle any issue and give you peace of mind knowing that you