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7 Items That Will Clog Your Drain
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
drain care
7 Items That Will Clog Your Drain
Fat, Oils, and Grease (FOG)
The first and most common culprit of drain clogs is fat, oil, and grease (FOG). While many people know not to pour bacon grease down the drain, other substances like soups, mayonnaise, ice cream, and melted butter are often forgotten. When FOG is hot, it moves freely through the pipes. However, as it cools, it congeals, sticking to the sides of pipes and trapping other debris. Over time, this results in severe buildup that clogs the drain. The best practice is to dispose of FOG in a designated container and avoid washing it down the sink.
Hard Foods
Hard foods such as eggshells, coffee grounds, and seafood shells are another major contributor to clogged drains. Even if you have a garbage disposal, these items are tough to break down, often damaging the disposal unit and causing blockages. Garbage disposals are not designed to handle hard foods and throwing these items in the trash is a much safer option.
Absorbent Foods
Next on the list are absorbent foods, such as pasta, rice, and flour. When these foods settle in the drain and water is introduced, they expand just as they would in a pot. The more water you add, the more these foods swell, eventually leading to heavy, sticky blockages. This is a particularly insidious problem, as absorbent foods can go unnoticed until they have created a serious clog. These should always be disposed of in the trash rather than the sink.
Dairy Products
Surprisingly, dairy products such as milk also pose a risk to your drains. Fats found in milk can create buildup like FOG. Additionally, milk can cause environmental harm once it enters waterways. The bacteria that decompose spoiled milk consume large amounts of oxygen, depriving fish and other aquatic life of this vital resource. Disposing of milk through proper waste management channels or recycling services is a more environmentally friendly approach.
Sediment and Dirt
Although most people do not intentionally pour dirt down the drain, it can be introduced through practices such as dumping mop water. When cleaning, the mop collects sediment, tiny rocks, and other debris, which then accumulate in the pipes. These sediments settle and form blockages over time, making routine cleaning an important consideration to prevent clogs.
Paper and Cotton Products
While some products, such as flushable wipes, claim to be safe for drains, they can still cause blockages. Paper towels, sanitary products, and cotton wipes absorb water and swell, leading to stubborn clogs. Even items labeled as “flushable” may not break down fully in water and should be thrown in the trash to avoid plumbing problems.
Harsh Chemicals
Although harsh chemicals won’t physically clog drains, they pose a significant environmental risk. For instance, dumping chemicals like pesticides down the drain can contaminate water sources and harm both human and animal life. Municipal water treatment systems are often not equipped to filter out these hazardous substances. Always read the disposal instructions on chemical labels and contact local waste management services for guidance on proper disposal.
What Can You Safely Put Down Your Drain?
After highlighting the seven items that should never go down the drain, the video provides insight into what is safe. Soft foods, most liquids (such as vinegar, juice, and boiling water), and fruits and vegetables are generally safe to dispose of via the drain. However, it is crucial to educate staff on proper disposal methods to prevent accidental damage to the plumbing system.
Conclusion
Everyday items like fats, hard foods, absorbent foods, dairy products, sediment, paper products, and harsh chemicals are the primary causes of drain clogs. By being mindful of what goes down the drain, facilities can avoid expensive repairs and minimize environmental harm. Implementing proper waste disposal practices and educating staff about the risks associated with certain materials can help ensure smooth, clog-free drains. For more information, check out our article on what will clog drains.
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