We’ve all been there. You’re cleaning out your fridge, and there are some leftovers that have seen better days. Instead of putting them in the trash, you decide to drop them down the sink, turn on the garbage disposal, and voila! – problem solved. Or is it? You would be surprised by the things that can wreak havoc on your plumbing when you put them down the sink. So let’s explore what should never go down your kitchen sink and why.
1. Coffee Grounds
Despite what you may have heard, coffee grounds are not safe for your drains. Many people believe that because coffee grounds are so fine, they won’t cause a blockage. But the truth is that once they are wet, they clump together and can quickly form a stubborn clog. Instead of washing your coffee grounds down the sink, consider composting them – they’re great for gardens!
2. Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG)
Most of us know that pouring grease down the drain is a no-no. However, it’s easy to forget that this rule isn’t only for frying oil or bacon fat. Butter, margarine, mayonnaise, sauces and even salad dressings fall into this category. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) can solidify in your pipes causing blockages. The best way to dispose of FOG is to let it cool and solidify in a container before throwing it in the trash.
3. Eggshells
You might think crushing eggshells in your garbage disposal would be beneficial – after all, aren’t they supposed to help sharpen the blades? Unfortunately, this is a common myth. Ground eggshells turn into a sandy substance that sticks to pipe walls, contributing to build-up and potential blockages. Instead, consider composting eggshells or using them in your garden as a natural pest deterrent.
4. Pasta and Rice
Pasta and rice may seem harmless, but they can cause significant problems in your drains. They can continue to absorb water even after cooking and can expand in your pipes, potentially causing a blockage. Once pasta and rice make their way down the drain, it’s almost impossible for them to be removed without professional help. Save yourself the headache and toss leftover pasta and rice in the trash or compost bin.
5. Potato Peels
Potato peels might seem like they would easily wash down the drain – they’re thin and appear harmless. However, potato peels are notorious for causing trouble in kitchen sinks. They can easily become trapped in your garbage disposal blades or slither their way into the pipe where they stick together, creating a clog. Composting potato peels or throwing them into your green waste bin is a much safer choice for your plumbing.
6. Produce Stickers
The tiny stickers found on fruits and vegetables might seem too small to cause a problem, but they can lead to significant plumbing malfunctions. These stickers can stick to the insides of your pipes or accumulate over time and create a blockage. Plus, if you’re on a septic system, they’re not biodegradable, which means they’ll be sitting in your septic tank indefinitely. It’s best to remove stickers before washing your produce and dispose of them in the trash.
7. Bones and Seafood Shells
Many people assume that their garbage disposal can handle anything thrown its way, including bones and seafood shells. Unfortunately, this is not true. These hard materials can dull or even break your disposal blades. They can also get stuck in your pipes, leading to serious blockages. Bones and seafood shells should always be thrown in the trash or composted if your municipality allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I put coffee grounds down the sink?
No, coffee grounds can cause blockages in your pipes because they clump together when wet. It is better to compost them, as they are beneficial for gardens.
2. Is it safe to pour fats, oils, and grease down the drain?
No, fats, oils, and grease can solidify in your pipes and cause blockages. Let them cool and solidify in a container before throwing them in the trash.
3. Can eggshells go down the sink?
No, ground eggshells turn into a sandy substance that sticks to pipe walls, leading to build-up and potential blockages. Composting them or using them as a natural pest deterrent in your garden is a better option.
4. Can pasta and rice be thrown down the sink?
No, pasta and rice absorb water even after cooking and can expand in your pipes, potentially causing blockages. Toss leftovers in the trash or compost bin instead.
5. Can potato peels be put down the sink?
No, potato peels can get trapped in your garbage disposal blades or stick together in the pipe to create a clog. Composting them or placing them in your green waste bin is a safer choice.
6. Are produce stickers safe for my plumbing?
No, the tiny stickers found on fruits and vegetables can lead to significant plumbing malfunctions by sticking to the insides of your pipes or accumulating over time.
7. Can bones or seafood shells go down the sink?
No, these hard materials can dull or even break your disposal blades and get stuck in your pipes, leading to serious blockages. Throw them in the trash or compost them if allowed.
8. What should I do with leftover food?
Leftover food should be composted or put in the trash, not down the sink.
9. Is it okay to use a garbage disposal for all kitchen waste?
No, only certain types of waste should be put in the garbage disposal. Hard materials such as bones or non-biodegradable items like stickers can damage your system.
10. Can I put flour down the sink?
No, flour can mix with water and create a sticky substance that can harden in your pipes, leading to blockages.
11. Are fruit pits safe to put in the garbage disposal?
No, fruit pits are too hard for the garbage disposal and can cause damage.
12. What happens if I accidentally put something down the sink?
If you accidentally put something down the sink that shouldn’t be there, it’s best to call a professional plumber to remove it.
13. Can I flush cooking oil down the toilet instead?
No, just like with sinks, cooking oil can solidify and cause blockages in toilet pipes as well.
14. Is dish soap harmful for my plumbing?
No, dish soap is designed to break down grease and is generally safe for pipes.
15. What can I do to avoid plumbing issues?
Avoid putting any of the mentioned items down the sink and regularly maintain your plumbing system to prevent serious issues.
A Final Thought
Remember, the sink is not a universal waste disposal unit. Keeping this in mind will save you the hassle of dealing with stubborn clogs and expensive repairs. The golden rule is: when in doubt, throw it in the trash or compost bin. A little consideration goes a long way in maintaining the health of your plumbing system.
If you live in Central Oregon and you need immediate plumbing assistance, Sunset Plumbing can help. Give us a call today: 541-382-0109
