Clogged drains are among the most common plumbing problems that homeowners face. Although they often occur unexpectedly, there are steps that you can take to prevent it from developing again. Some items aren’t meant for the pipes and may ultimately cause an emergency drain cleaning visit from the plumbing contractor. Here are three you should avoid putting in the sink.

What You Shouldn’t Rinse Down the Drain

1. Fatty Substances

Fats, oils, and greases, more commonly known as FOGs, are harmful to the system because they solidify when rinsed down the drain. They can harden quickly and create stubborn blockages that are virtually impossible to break through without a plumbing contractor’s help. Although running hot water down the drain is helpful in the first few moments after rinsing, it’s not enough to prevent the problem altogether.

2. Starchy Foods

Although foods like rice grains and pasta shells may seem innocuous enough, they don’t behave quite so innocently when you rinse them down the drain. Just as they expand through water absorption when you cook them, they do the same when washed away.

Before long, a few grains of rice can clump together to form a large mass that prevents water from passing freely. The soggy mess is not easy to break down and may require a plumbing contractor’s assistance.

3. Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are equally unfriendly to your drain. Much like starchy foods, they tend to gather into large clumps when rinsed away instead of breaking down. The more you rinse, the greater the size of the clog. Although it’s fine to throw them in the trash, you might prefer to repurpose them by applying them to your garden as fertilizer.

Homeowners throughout northern Kentucky can trust the professionals at Lonneman Plumbing to resolve their drain-cleaning concerns. Serving the community since 1960, the company offers a wide range of additional services, including garbage disposal repair, faucet repair, and emergency plumbing. To find out more about how they can help you, visit their website. Call (859) 341-7755 to schedule an appointment with a plumbing contractor.