Stop. What not to put down the drain!

Our homes’ drains are an essential part of our house because they enable wastewater to be transported away and out of sight. But what we flush down the toilet can have a big effect on the environment and on our plumbing. We’ll go over what not to flush down the drain so we won’t be needing a plumber to clear blocked drains in the future. Many common household items, such as wet wipes, sanitary products, and cooking grease, can cause significant clogs when washed down the drain.

By being mindful of what we dispose of and adopting eco-friendly habits, we contribute to protecting our plumbing and the environment. Preventing blocked drains easily is achievable by simply discarding these items in the trash instead of flushing them. Flushing items like wet wipes, grease, feminine hygiene products, and even seemingly harmless things like dental floss can lead to serious plumbing issues over time. These materials can accumulate in the pipes, causing clogs and backups that may require professional intervention.

For residents requiring assistance, there are reliable blocked drains services Sydney professionals who can help restore your plumbing to proper working order while also providing tips to keep your drains clog-free.

Why you should be careful about what you put down the drain

The environment and our plumbing systems can be harmed greatly if the wrong things are put down the drain. We should be cautious about what we flush down the drain for the reasons listed below: For instance, substances like grease, oil, and food scraps can accumulate over time and lead to severe blockages in the pipes. In some cases, resolving these clogs may require using a plumber’s drain snake, a specialized tool designed to break through stubborn obstructions.

By properly disposing of waste and avoiding harmful materials in our stormwater drains, we can protect both our plumbing systems and the environment. For instance, substances like fats, oils, and grease can solidify in pipes, leading to clogs that disrupt the flow of water and potentially damage the plumbing system. Additionally, improper disposal of harmful chemicals can contaminate local water sources, posing risks to ecosystems and human health alike. Ignoring these issues could result in the costly need for professional assistance, as the cost to clear blocked drain problems can quickly add up.

Clogs: Certain items can clog our drains, such as grease and oil, wet wipes, and food scraps. This can lead to slow drains, unpleasant odors, and even sewer backups.

Harmful Chemicals: Some chemicals can be harmful to our plumbing systems and the environment. Chemicals such as pesticides, paint, and cleaners should never be disposed of down the drain.

Environmental Impact: Items that are put down the drain can eventually make their way into our waterways and harm aquatic life. This is especially true for chemicals and medications. Proper Disposal: To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to dispose of waste materials responsibly and not use our drains as trash bins. If you’re dealing with a blockage, it’s essential to learn how to unblock drains effectively using safe and environmentally friendly methods, such as a drain snake or homemade solutions like baking soda and vinegar. By being mindful of what goes down the drain, we can protect our plumbing systems, the environment, and aquatic ecosystems.

Common items that should never be put down the drain

Cooking Grease and Oil
Never put oil or grease from your kitchen down the sink drain. The solidification of these substances in the pipes can lead to backups and even damage to your plumbing system. Instead, wait for the grease and oil to solidify, at which point you can throw it away.

Coffee Grounds
Similarly, used coffee grounds should not be flushed down your drain. They may not pose any immediate danger, but over time they may block pipes. Throw them away or use them as organic fertiliser in your garden.

Eggshells
Never flush an eggshell down the drain. They can cling to other debris in the plumbing and cause obstructions. Throw them away or use them as organic fertiliser in your garden.

Fruit and Vegetable Peels
It’s also not a good idea to flush food scraps like fruit and vegetable peels. They can cause clogs and add to foul odours. Throw them away or use them as organic fertiliser in your garden.

Rice and Pasta
Never flush pasta or rice through the drain. They can cause obstructions because of their swelling upon contact with water. Throw them away in the trash.

Wet Wipes
Never flush a wet wipe down the toilet or sink. Even if something is advertised as “flushable,” there is still a risk that it will clog pipes and lead to a backup. Throw them away in the trash. These products do not break down like toilet paper and can accumulate over time, causing serious plumbing issues. To protect your home’s plumbing and the environment, always dispose of wet wipes in the garbage and educate others to do the same. Taking proactive steps to keep wet wipes from drains can prevent costly repairs and reduce strain on wastewater treatment systems.

Chemicals
Pesticides, paint, and cleaning solutions are all examples of chemicals that should never be flushed down the toilet. These chemicals are hazardous for aquatic life and can corrode pipes. Instead, take them to a facility that deals with hazardous waste.

Medications
It’s also not a good idea to flush medications down the toilet. They pose a threat to aquatic life and can contaminate water supplies. Get rid of them in the trash or at a local medication take-back programme.

Frequently Asked Question

Can I pour hot water down the drain to help break up blockages?

Hot water can help break up blockages to a certain extent, but it’s important to be careful. If you have PVC pipes, hot water can actually damage them and cause them to warp or melt. Additionally, if you have a severe blockage, hot water alone may not be enough to clear it. It’s always best to contact a professional plumber if you’re experiencing persistent clogs or blockages.

Can I put small food scraps down the drain?

No, even small food scraps can create blockages in your pipes. It’s best to dispose of them in the trash or compost them instead.

Can I pour cooking oil down the drain if I dilute it with soap?

No, even diluted cooking oil can cause blockages and damage to your plumbing system. It’s best to allow the oil to cool and solidify, then dispose of it in the trash.

Can I flush pet waste down the toilet?

No, pet waste should never be flushed down the toilet. It can contribute to blockages and cause damage to your plumbing system. Instead, dispose of it in the trash or a designated pet waste disposal system.

Can I pour paint down the drain if I dilute it with water?

No, paint should never be poured down the drain. Even diluted paint can be harmful to aquatic life and cause damage to your plumbing system. Instead, dispose of it at a hazardous waste facility.