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A Homeowner’s Guide on What NOT To Put Down Your Drain

Clogged drains are a major pain, literally and figuratively. Not only do they cause significant inconvenience, but attempting to unclog them yourself can be dangerous and costly. To avoid the hassle, it’s important to be mindful of what you put down your drain. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the most common items that cause clogs. Read on to learn more about what not to put down your drain!

Fats, Oils, and Grease

Fats, oils, and grease can be some of the most damaging items when it comes to clogging your drain. When these items are heated, they can become resolidified once cooled and create a barrier in your pipes. This can result in a clog that is difficult to remove. 

greasy pan
dry pasta

Starchy Foods

When it comes to clogging your drain, starchy foods should be avoided at all costs. Starches, like rice, potatoes, and pasta can swell when they come in contact with water and cause a blockage. When the starch particles bind together, they can form a thick paste that can easily block pipes. 

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds should never be put down your drain. When they get wet, coffee grounds will congeal and form a thick paste that can create clogs in your plumbing. This paste can be difficult to remove, so it’s best to keep them out of your drain in the first place.

Coffee grounds in a sink
eggshell in sink

Eggshells

When you’re in the middle of baking a delicious cake or making a delectable omelette, you may not think about where those eggshells should go. Unfortunately, throwing them down the drain can cause major issues. Eggshells can build up in the pipes and become a major clog.

Flour

Flour is a common household staple, but it can cause major problems if you pour it down your drain. Flour is a powdery substance that, when mixed with water, turns into a paste-like material. This paste will coat the inside of your pipes and eventually form a clog.

flour in a sink

It is important to be mindful of what goes down your drains to avoid a clog. Fats, oils, and grease are the biggest culprits of clogs, so it is important to dispose of them properly. Starchy foods, coffee grounds, eggshells, and flour can also contribute to blockages in pipes. To protect your pipes and avoid a plumbing disaster, always be sure to keep food scraps and other items out of your drains! If you find yourself with a drain clog right now, call our Neerings team. Our Home Service Specialists are here to FIX IT for you. 

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