A blocked drain is one of those common household headaches we all want to avoid, yet many of us unknowingly contribute to the problem.
At first, you might consider disposing of cooking oils or coffee grounds down the sink and think “what harm could it really do?”. Over time, though, it can lead to stubborn blockages, foul smells and even possible pipe damage. Worst still, some substances even pollute waterways and harm the environment.
Knowing what to avoid putting down your sink helps you maintain smooth-flowing drains while keeping avoidable plumbing repairs to a minimum. A little common sense goes a long way!
- Cooking Oils and Grease
Pouring cooking oil or grease down the sink might seem convenient in the moment, but it’s actually a recipe for disaster.
Yes, hot grease will pour down the sink like liquid. But it will cool and solidify inside your pipes, causing thick, sticky blockages that trap food particles and other debris. Eventually, this buildup can clog your drain completely. Even rinsing with hot water won’t stop the grease from sticking further down the line.
The best thing to do is let it cool and dispose of it in a sealed container. You can also use an old jar to collect it for proper disposal.
- Coffee Grounds
Like cooking oil, disposing of coffee grounds down the sink might seem harmless, but it’s one of the worst offenders for causing blocked drains.
Simply put, coffee grounds don’t break down in water. Instead, they clump together, forming a thick, sludgy paste that sticks to the inside of your pipes. And when coffee grounds bind with grease or soap scum, they form stubborn blockages that are hard to clear. Over time, this buildup can slow down drainage and cause bad smells.
Instead of washing coffee grounds down the drain, add them to your compost, sprinkle them in the garden as fertiliser or simply throw them in the bin.
- Eggshells
Eggshells are another natural food material that might seem safe to dispose of down the sink but can cause major plumbing dilemmas.
Crushed tiny eggshell fragments don’t wash away easily. Instead, they mix with grease and soap scum forming a gritty sandpaper-like paste that clings to pipe walls. Over time this buildup can restrict water flow and cause stubborn blockages. Then you need to call in a plumber to clear your blocked drain and it all becomes a hassle that didn’t need to happen.
Composting them as they add calcium to the soil is a better alternative. Otherwise, toss them in the bin to keep your drains clear and problem-free.
- Flour and Starchy Foods
Flour and starchy foods will also turn into a sticky mess when you wash them down the sink. The mixture of flour and water forms a thick glue-like paste that clings to pipes, trapping other debris and causing stubborn blockages.
Starchy foods are notorious for absorbing water. These include things like:
- Rice
- Pasta
- Potatoes
Each is prone to swelling when it absorbs water, making it harder for water to flow through your pipes.
Instead of washing them away, scrape your food scraps into the bin or compost them. This will keep your sink and pipes running smoothly.
- Paint and Chemicals
Pouring paints and chemicals down the drain causes serious harm, both to your plumbing and the environment. Even water-based paint leaves behind a sticky residue that coats your pipes.
Oil-based paint, solvents and other chemicals are even worse as they contain toxic substances that pollute waterways and harm aquatic life. Harsh chemicals can also corrode your pipes, increasing the risk of leaks and expensive repairs.
Instead of washing down the sink, take leftover paint to a local disposal facility or let it dry before throwing it in the bin.
- Medications
Flushing pharmaceutical medications down the sink or toilet may seem a quick and easy disposal solution. But as they don’t break down easily, doing so can seriously affect our rivers, lakes and drinking water supplies.
This pollution harms marine life and disrupts ecosystems as fish and other wildlife absorb the chemicals. Even small traces of antibiotics, painkillers and hormones can have lasting effects.
A safer alternative for all is to take expired or unused medications to a willing pharmacy for safe disposal.
- Harsh Cleaning Products and Drain Cleaners
Many household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can damage your plumbing and harm the environment. While they may seem effective, they often do more harm than good if you pour them down the drain. Some common culprits include:
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Chemical drain cleaners
- Antibacterial soaps
Instead of relying on harsh chemicals, choose natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda to keep drains clear and safe.
- Personal Care Products
Many personal care products may seem harmless enough to wash down the sink, but can actually cause serious plumbing and environmental issues.
Products like lotions, creams and makeup often contain oils and waxes that don’t dissolve in water. Hair products and exfoliating scrubs with microplastics can also enter waterways, potentially causing harm to marine life. Even liquid soaps and shampoos can leave behind residue that builds up over time.
A safe alternative to standing under a running shower to wash these products down the drain is to wipe off excess creams and makeup with a tissue before washing your face. It’s also worth choosing biodegradable alternatives to protect your plumbing and the environment.
- Fibrous and Stringy Foods
Sure, fibrous and stringy foods might break apart easily when you chew them. Wash them down the sink, though, and it’s a different story. Foods like celery, corn husks and potato peels have tough fibres that don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they tangle together creating dense clogs that block pipes and slow drainage.
Over time, the buildup can lead to costly repairs. Instead of rinsing them away, compost fibrous scraps or throw them in the bin to keep your sink and plumbing system running smoothly.
- Flushable Wipes
Don’t be fooled by their name. “Flushable” wipes don’t break down like toilet paper does, and can actually lead to serious plumbing problems.
While regular toilet paper dissolves quickly in water, wipes remain intact and cling to grease and other debris in pipes. Over time they create stubborn clogs that lead to slow drains and sewer backups.
Flushable wipes can also contribute to fatbergs. These are a large, messy mass that block sewer systems and typically consist of:
- Oils
- Greases
- Wet wipes
- Paper towels
- Condoms
- Sanitary items
Just last year in east London, it took 20 people over 11 days to remove a 35 tonne fatberg from the sewers.
Instead of flushing wet wipes, throw them in the bin. This will prevent blockages and protect our sewer systems.
Keep Your Drains Clear and Problem-free
Being mindful of what you put down your sink or toilet will save you from frustrating blockages, nasty odours and costly plumbing repairs. We’ve looked at many items that wreak havoc on pipes. Harsh chemicals and toxic substances can also damage plumbing and pollute waterways.
The good news? Simple usage and disposal changes can make all the difference. Your pipes and the environment will thank you for it!