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Your plumbing system is capable of handling many different types of foods, but several ingredients should never enter the pipes. Any of the following foods could lead to stubborn blockages that require professional drain cleaning.

Which Foods Will Clog Your Drains?

1. Starches

Although pasta may seem harmless enough to discard, its high starch content causes it to expand in water even after it’s completely cooked. The same applies to rice. Although one or two pieces won't do much harm, a bowl full of old leftovers from the refrigerator could be significant enough to cause a drain clog.

Honolulu, HI plumbing2. FOGs

Fats, oils, and grease are known as FOGs. Butter, cooking oil, salad dressing, leftover cooking grease, and cream all have the potential to harden in the pipes and cause clogs. Commercial drain cleaning techniques are typically not potent enough nor are they safe for the system, so you may need a plumber to break up the blockage.

3. Fibers

Fibrous foods may be excellent additions to your diet, but they don’t do your plumbing system any favors. Avoid disposing of items like celery and asparagus down the drain. As they break down, their stringy fibers can get caught and wind around the blades of the garbage disposal. Over time, they can create an immovable ball that requires professional attention.

4. Bones

After you eat a plate of buffalo wings, you’ll throw out the bones. However, they’re too hard for the garbage disposal blades to effectively break down, so they’ll just get stuck. Toss them in the trash instead.

5. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are minuscule, but their size belies the fact that they can pose a threat to your pipes. The grounds aren’t water-soluble, so they’ll mix with any other liquids already in the pipes, such as grease and oil. The result is a thick, sludgy substance that can coat the pipes and prevent proper drainage.

 

If you accidentally disposed of something unfriendly down the drain, turn to the team at A-1 Budget Plumbing in Honolulu, HI. Serving Oahu since 1986, the company offers a wide range of residential plumbing services, including drain cleaning, garbage disposal installation, gas line repairs, and drain video inspections. Visit the plumbers online to find out more about how they can resolve your concerns, or call them at (808) 526-3747 to schedule an appointment.

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