Things You Should Never Put Down Your Drain

Things You Should Never Put Down Your Drain (And How to Prevent Costly Plumbing Issues)

There are few things more frustrating for homeowners than dealing with a clogged drain. It always seems to happen at the worst time, disrupting your day and, often, leading to expensive plumbing repairs.

Fortunately, most drain blockages can be avoided simply by being mindful of what goes down your sink. In this guide, we’ll cover common household items that should never be put down the drain and how to keep your plumbing in good working order.

By following these tips, you can save time, money, and the hassle of calling a plumber for emergency drain cleaning in Mendota, IL. So read on or reach out to our Mendota drain and sewer experts if you have any questions or need to schedule service!

Why Proper Drain Care Matters

Ignoring what goes down your drains may not seem like a big deal at first, but over time, improper drain care can lead to serious plumbing problems. A clogged drain can escalate into a blocked sewer line, slow-draining sinks, or even flooding — none of which you want to deal with. The cost of fixing these problems can run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars, especially if you need to call in a professional plumber in Mendota, or the surrounding area. By practicing regular drain maintenance and avoiding certain items, homeowners can learn how to prevent clogged drains and avoid these costly repairs altogether.

Top Things You Shouldn’t Put Down Your Drain

While it might seem convenient to flush food scraps, liquids, and other household items down the drain, many of them can lead to clogs and damage over time. Here’s a list of the most common offenders:

1. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)

Fats, oils, and grease might be liquid when you pour them down the drain, but they quickly solidify and create stubborn blockages. Over time, this buildup can restrict water flow, leading to serious drainage issues. Even if you run hot water, it won’t dissolve the grease — it simply pushes it further down the pipes, where it can cause clogs in more difficult-to-reach places.

Pro Tip: Pour used grease and oil into a container, let it cool, and then dispose of it in the trash. Use paper towels to wipe out greasy pans before washing them.

2. Coffee Grounds

Although coffee grounds are small, they don’t break down in water. Instead, they accumulate inside your pipes, combining with other debris to form clogs. Many people mistakenly believe coffee grounds can help clean their pipes, but the reality is the opposite.

Pro Tip: Compost your coffee grounds or dispose of them in the trash. If you’re an avid gardener, coffee grounds are a great addition to your compost pile!

3. Eggshells

You might assume that because eggshells are biodegradable, they’re safe for your plumbing, but that’s not the case. Eggshells break into small, gritty particles that stick to grease and other buildup in your pipes, leading to blockages.

Pro Tip: Toss eggshells in your compost or trash rather than your garbage disposal.

4. Flour, Rice, and Pasta

Starchy foods like flour, rice, and pasta swell up when they absorb water, turning into a thick, gluey paste that can clog your pipes. Over time, these materials can solidify in your pipes, causing serious blockages.

Pro Tip: Scrape any leftover food off your plates and into the trash before washing them. Avoid rinsing excess flour or pasta dough down the drain.

5. Medications and Chemicals

It’s dangerous to flush unused medications or chemicals down the drain. These substances can contaminate local water supplies, harm the environment, and damage your plumbing. Even small amounts can be toxic to aquatic life and contribute to water pollution.

Pro Tip: Many communities, including Mendota, IL, have designated drop-off points or programs for the safe disposal of medications and chemicals. Check with local pharmacies or government offices for disposal locations.

6. Wipes and Feminine Products

Even wipes labeled “flushable” can cause clogs. They don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper and can combine with grease and other debris to create solid blockages. Similarly, feminine hygiene products are absorbent and designed to expand when wet, which can lead to pipe blockages.

Pro Tip: Place a small trash can in your bathroom to dispose of wipes, feminine products, and any other non-flushable items.

Tips to Maintain Healthy Drains

Taking care of your drains doesn’t stop with avoiding harmful items. Proactive maintenance can help prevent clogs and extend the lifespan of your plumbing. Here are a few simple but effective tips to keep your drains running smoothly:

1. Use Drain Screens

Drain screens or strainers are simple tools that prevent hair, food particles, and other debris from going down your drain. They’re easy to install and can be placed in sinks, showers, and tubs. By catching debris before it enters your plumbing, drain screens significantly reduce the risk of clogs.

Pro Tip: Clean your drain screens regularly to keep them functioning properly.

2. Regular Hot Water Flush

Once a week, flush your drains with hot water to help wash away grease, soap residue, and other buildup. This is especially important for kitchen sinks, where food particles and grease can accumulate over time.

Pro Tip: Boil a pot of water and slowly pour it down the drain. For best results, do this after running hot water for a few minutes to loosen any buildup.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda Cleanse

This natural cleaning method helps break down organic materials like grease and soap scum that can accumulate in your pipes. It’s also an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical drain cleaners, which can damage pipes over time.

Pro Tip: Pour one cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then flush the drain with hot water.

4. Schedule Regular Drain Inspections

Even with careful drain care, problems can develop over time. Regular drain inspections by a professional plumber can catch issues early before they turn into major (and expensive) repairs.

Pro Tip: Contact a local plumbing company in Mendota, IL, like Triple Service, for routine plumbing inspections and maintenance.

Signs It’s Time to Call a Professional Plumber

While proper drain care can prevent many clogs, some problems require professional attention. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s best to call a professional drain cleaning service in Mendota, IL:

1. Persistent Slow Drains

If your sinks or tubs are draining slowly, even after trying at-home remedies, it could indicate a serious blockage deeper in your plumbing. A professional plumber can use specialized tools to locate and remove the clog.

2. Frequent Clogs

If you’re constantly dealing with clogs, it could be a sign of a larger problem in your plumbing system. Recurring blockages may indicate an issue with your main sewer line, which should be inspected by a professional.

3. Unpleasant Odors

Foul smells coming from your drains are often caused by trapped food, grease, or sewage. If you notice persistent odors, it’s time to call a plumber to inspect and clean your pipes.

4. Water Backups

Water backing up into your sinks, showers, or toilets is a clear sign of a serious plumbing issue. This could indicate a blockage in your main sewer line or a larger drainage problem, both of which require immediate attention.

Protect Your Plumbing, Avoid Unnecessary Drain Cleaning Costs

By keeping certain items out of your drains and practicing regular maintenance, you can prevent most plumbing issues and avoid the expense of frequent drain cleaning. However, if you do encounter a stubborn clog or notice signs of a more serious problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Triple Service, your trusted local plumber in Mendota, IL, is here to help with all your drain cleaning and plumbing needs.

Need help with a clogged drain? Contact Triple Service today for expert assistance and prevent further damage to your plumbing system!

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Why Choose Triple Service in Mendota, IL?

• Over 70 years of plumbing experience
• Fast, reliable service
• Licensed and insured professionals
• Satisfaction guaranteed

For more tips on drain care and plumbing maintenance, or to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced plumbers, give us a call today!

Learn More About Drain Cleaning in Mendota & Beyond

Check out our blog posts below for some helpful info, expert tips and more!

• How to Prevent Clogged Drains in Mendota
• 8 Warning Signs You Need Professional Drain Cleaning
• 7 Common Causes of Clogged Drains (And How to Fix Them!)
• 9 Ways to Unclog a Clogged Drain
• What to Do When Drano Doesn’t Work: 5 Alternatives for Homeowners