For every action, there is a reaction. And for homeowners who put certain substances down their sink or flush them down the toilet, the reaction is often a clogged drain. While a plumber will be able to resolve this issue, avoid drain cleaning in the first place by watching what you and your family try to wash away.

Substances That Can Harm Your Plumbing

1. Food Scraps

A garbage disposal can make cleanup easier, but you still need to be wary of what goes down it. Any food that can absorb water and expand should go in the garbage—think rice, pasta, and other grains. Additionally, coffee grounds can gather in the drain trap, and bones and fibrous vegetables can create a jam. Do your drains a favor and toss these items in the garbage.

2. Grease

After you’re done cooking up a batch of bacon or browning beef, it can be tempting to pour the leftover fat down the drain. After all, it’s a liquid, right? Unfortunately, as it cools, it congeals and can cling to the pipes. If enough grease goes down the drain, it can form a ‘fatberg’ that will catch other debris and clog your drain. To avoid premature drain cleaning, let the fat cool and pour it into a discarded can or bottle before throwing it in the trash.

3. Harmful Chemicals

If you need to dispose of powerful cleaners, paint, or oil, they shouldn’t go down your drains. If they do, they can work their way to the water supply and cause contamination. The same goes for harsh drain unclogging solutions. They’re designed to cut through debris, but that same chemical action can harm your pipes, especially in older homes. Use them too often for drain cleaning and you could be looking at a pipe replacement.

4. Hygiene Items

The only items that should be going down your toilet are waste and toilet paper. Even wet wipes that are billed as flushable take longer to break down than toilet paper, and they can clump together before they disintegrate. Feminine hygiene products should also be disposed of in the garbage, not flushed. They’re a sure way to create a clog.

 

Even with the best maintenance, you’ll need drain cleaning eventually. When you do, contact the professionals at Drain Doctor in Levelland, TX. Their knowledgable and experienced team can handle everything from jammed drains and broken pipes to water heater repair and fixture replacement. They’re also committed to quality work and fair prices. To schedule a service appointment, call (806) 894-3796. You can also learn more about their offerings online.