Your drain is designed to handle water, soap, and small amounts of grime and debris. But when other objects go down your shower drain, kitchen sink, or toilet, they can cause serious clogs and increase your need for drain cleaning. Here are five items you shouldn’t put down your drains.

What You Shouldn't Flush

1. Paper Products

Many people think paper towels aren’t that different from toilet paper. However, toilet paper is designed to dissolve in water while paper towels hold together, so they can create stubborn blocks in pipes and sewers.

2. Food Scraps

A garbage disposal can handle limited amounts of some types of foods, like soft vegetables. But you should never put anything sticky or hard down your garbage disposal to avoid damaging the system and clogging it up. If you don't have a disposal, use a drain trap to prevent any food debris from getting into your plumbing.

3. Kitty Litter

Some kitty litter is advertised as flushable, but throwing it away is always the better choice. Even so-called flushable kitty litter is highly absorbent, so it will expand in water, and you may need drain cleaning to get rid of it.

4. Grease

It can be tempting to put cooking grease down the drain because it's a liquid, but in your pipes, it will quickly cool and solidify, resulting in extremely stubborn blockages. Instead, let it cool, then put it in the trash.

5. Hair

Hair easily snags on rough or corroded sections inside the pipe. There, it catches other hairs and debris, gradually building up and sealing off the pipe. Use a drain trap with fine holes to catch hair, and clean it out frequently, especially after shaving.

If you need drain cleaning or have a stubborn clog, contact A-1 Budget Plumbing in Kailua, HI. Serving the island of Oahu for over 30 years, their trained and experienced plumbers offer 24/7 service, and even tackle problems other plumbing companies have failed to solve. To schedule a visit for drain cleaning, call (808) 526-3747 or send a request online.