The kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the home. As any handyman can tell you, the first step to avoiding kitchen plumbing trouble is to be mindful of what you put down the drain. Although it’s convenient to toss everything when doing the dishes, the pipe is not a trash bin, and treating it as such can lead to costly repairs down the line. Read on to learn five items to never to put down the drain. 

Items That Should Never Go in the Kitchen Drain 

1. Grease & Oil

Whether you’re sauteeing garlic or frying bacon, it’s important not to pour the leftover grease and oil down the drain or garbage disposal. When fat and oil cools, it can solidify into a gooey sludge. This sludge sticks to pipes and can attract other debris as well, resulting in clogs. Instead of putting it down the drain, place oil and grease in a jar or can and throw it in the trash once it’s cooled. 

2. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can wreak havoc on your plumbing by sticking to the sides of the pipes and causing blockages. Because there are so many tiny grains, a garbage disposal is not effective in disposing of them either. Instead of washing them down the drain, save old grounds and use them in your garden as fertilizer, or throw them in the trash.

3. Potato Peels

The garbage disposal cannot effectively break up starchy vegetables like potato peels. Instead of being disposed of along with other food particles, skins become a slimy sludge that sticks to the pipes. Eventually, peels accumulate and attract other debris, resulting in blockages. Put skins in the trash or compost bin. 

4. Eggshells

Like vegetable peels, eggshells can be broken down in the garbage disposal, but they will not go through the plumbing effectively. Instead, shell particles tend to clump together and form blockages. Fortunately, these can also provide good fertilizer, so consider putting them in the compost pile instead.

5. Hazardous Chemicals

When cleaning house, you may consider using bleach or other harsh chemical cleaners to clear drains. However, these can damage pipes and lead to corrosion. They can also cause bacteria imbalances, which is problematic for septic systems. Avoid using these products and opt for gentle, natural solutions instead. If you have a severe drain clog, call a plumber for help. 

 

If you’re a Boone County, MO, resident in need of a handyman, turn to A D&D Contracting. Based in Columbia, this general contractor handles a broad range of home improvement and repair projects, from unclogging kitchen sinks to bathroom and kitchen remodeling. Call (573) 228-3572 to speak with a friendly team member; or, visit their website to learn more about their handyman services.