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.
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:
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.
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.
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
