The Worst Things For Your Drains

Drains are designed to carry waste water away from your home. They are an important part of maintaining the sanitation in your home. Sometimes, items can end up in your drain that don’t belong that can cause havoc. And unfortunately, many people are uneducated about what can and cannot go down the drain, leading to clogged drains. Some of the worst things for your drains include:  

Hair 

Hair is one of the worst things for your drains. It is also one of the leading causes of clogs. The reason hair is so problematic is it can get stuck in the grime that builds up in your drains over time. Once hair starts building up inside of your pipes, it can start collecting other debris which can prevent your drains from draining properly. The best way to prevent hair from going down the drain, is to place a drain screen over the drain to capture the hair before it goes down.  

Grease 

Grease is another really bad thing for your drains. Its sticky and thick texture can coat the inside of your pipes, building up over time. Other items that end up in the drain can get stuck in the muck forming nasty clogs. To prevent this from happening, it is best to dispose of grease in the trash. Let hot grease cool down before disposing of it and handle with care.  

Paper Products 

Paper products often get disposed of inappropriately. Some paper products like toilet paper is designed specifically for being flushed down the toilet. Other paper products like paper towels, are designed to go into the trash can. Most paper products don’t disintegrate which can cause them to get stuck and obstruct the flow of water. Some examples of paper products that should never go down the drain include: diapers, wipes, paper towels, and feminine hygiene products.   

Soap Scum 

Soap scum is inevitable. When you shower or wash your hands soap scum will end up down the drain. Soap scum can start to build up inside of your pipes forming a sludge. The more it builds up, the more difficult it will be for your drains to function properly. Regular drain cleaning is the best way to prevent soap scum buildup from causing clogged drains. 

Dental Floss 

Just like hair, dental floss is another item that can easily form clogged drains. It also can get stuck in the sludge that builds up inside of your pipes, collecting other debris and forming clogs. It is best to dispose of dental floss in the trash can.   

Cotton Swabs 

Cotton swabs are another item that should never go down the drain. They hold their shape, which allows them to get stuck and obstruct the flow of water.   

Coffee Grounds 

Coffee grounds can form a cement like byproduct that can cause slow drainage. After your morning cup of Joe, please discard your coffee grounds in the trashcan, or if you are a gardener, save them for your compost pile. Coffee grounds are supposed to be really good for your soil.  

Large Food Particles 

Large food particles should not be disposed of down the drain. Even if you have a garbage disposal. It is best to scrape food particles in the trash can. Large food particles can get lodged inside of your pipes, which can prevent your drains from draining properly. This includes: bones, peels, leftover pasta, batter, and fibrous food. 

Liquid Drain Cleaner 

At the first signs of a clog, many people are quick to reach for liquid drain cleaners. This is one of the worst things you can do. Liquid drain cleaners contain dangerous chemicals that, depending on the material your pipes are made out of, can actually cause damage to your pipes. In addition, they aren’t all that effective, more so putting a band-aid on the issue, without getting to the root of the problem.  

How To Keep Things Flowing Properly

One of the best things you can do aside from watching what goes down the drain, is to invest in regular drain cleaning. Regular drain cleaning helps remove all of the gunk and build up that can obstruct the flow of water. Annual drain cleaning is a good idea to incorporate into your household maintenance. In addition, drain screens can help keep unwanted items from entering your drains. For more tips to keep your drains free from clogs or to schedule an appointment, contact Rooter Hero today!