Every day, homeowners unwittingly flush, pour, and rinse materials down their drains that can cause clogs and quietly wreak havoc on their plumbing systems. We get it, sometimes a nearby drain is the quickest, most convenient way to dispose of waste. Unfortunately, tossing whatever you want down the drain will only result in slow drains, clogs, and damage to your plumbing system that requires professional attention. To help keep your home’s plumbing flowing smoothly, our Gainesville plumbers compiled the following list of things you should and shouldn’t put down your drains.
Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. provides reliable plumbing services to homeowners and businesses in Gainesville, FL. Dealing with a clog? Contact us today to schedule service!
What’s Safe To Put Down The Drain?
The list of items safe to put down the drain is significantly shorter than the list of items that are not. As a general rule of thumb, the only things that should ever go down your plumbing system’s drains are:
- Toilet Paper
- Human Waste
- Water & Other Beverages
If it’s not one of the above, it probably doesn’t belong in your drains. Putting anything solid, sticky, or absorbent down one of your drains can cause a clog, potentially leading to plumbing disasters like backups or burst pipes. Here at Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. we offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services. Day or night, rain or shine — whenever a plumbing disaster occurs, we’re ready to help!
8 Things You Should Never Put Down A Drain
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Fats, Oils, & Grease (FOGs)
Fats, oils, and grease — also known as FOGs — are one of the most common causes of clogged drains in the United States. Pouring grease and cooking oils down the drain in their liquid form may seem harmless, but once they cool, they solidify and create blockages that restrict water flow. Instead of putting them down the drain, pour FOGs into a can or container and then toss them in the trash once they harden.
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Flushable Wipes & Other Paper Products
Even though some companies like to slap the word “flushable” on their product, most wipes don’t break down in water like toilet paper. Because flushable wipes don’t dissolve, they tend to collect in the bends and joints of your plumbing lines, forming dense clogs that block water flow. The same goes for other paper products, such as paper towels, wet wipes, napkins, tissues, and similar items.
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Feminine Hygiene Products
You should never flush feminine hygiene products down the toilet. Products such as tampons and pads are designed to absorb liquid, not dissolve in it. Because of this, once flushed, they quickly swell, becoming lodged in pipes or septic systems. For the convenience of individuals who use feminine hygiene products, consider keeping a small trash bin near your toilets for safe and easy disposal.
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Cat Litter
This is another situation where, even if the packaging says “flushable,” the product should not go anywhere near your drains. Cat litter is designed to clump together when wet, creating rock-hard obstructions in your pipes that are difficult to remove. Worse yet, cat litter can carry harmful bacteria that contaminate water systems. Rather than flushing it, scoop it into a trash bag and dispose of it properly.
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Coffee Grounds
Many homeowners assume coffee grounds are small enough to go down the drain without any issues, which is why they’re one of the most prevalent causes of kitchen sink clogs. Similar to cat litter, coffee grounds tend to clump together, forming dense obstructions that restrict proper drainage. Instead, toss them in the garbage or — if you’ve got a garden — compost them.
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Fibrous, Starchy, Or Tough Foodstuff
Fibrous, starchy, and tough food should never go down your drain, even if you have a garbage disposal. Some foodstuffs you should never put down your drain include the following.
- Rice
- Pasta
- Potato Peels
- Corn Husks
- Egg Shells
- Pitted Fruits
- Oatmeal
- Bones
- Stringy Vegetables
- Flour
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Paint, Solvents, & Nail Polish Remover
Things like paints and solvents contain harsh chemicals that can corrode your plumbing system’s pipes and harm the environment. Many cities have regulations on how you’re allowed to dispose of paint, so instead of pouring these substances into your drains, take them to local hazardous waste disposal sites for safe handling.
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Caustic Drain Cleaners
Store-bought chemical drain cleaners are designed to clear your drains by dissolving blockages made of organic materials. Unfortunately, corrosive formulas can also eat away at your pipes, creating leaks and compromising your system’s integrity. For tough clogs, skip the harsh chemical drain cleaners and call our local plumbers instead!
Professional Drain Cleaning Services In Gainesville, FL!
Since 1984, Quality Plumbing of Gainesville Inc. has proudly served residential and commercial properties across the greater North Central Florida region. We offer professional drain cleaning services designed to remove even the deepest of blockages and restore your plumbing system’s drainage. Contact us today to learn more or schedule service!