What You Can and Can’t Put Down Your Drain

Although they’re rarely top of mind, your home’s drains are crucial to every household. They don’t just flush away unwanted waste; they also prevent unwanted debris from re-entering the home. 

From major damage to minor issues, it’s important that you don’t delay getting a clogged drain service. These systems can be ruined if you place inappropriate items down the drain. 

If you want to avoid a garbage disposal clog or slow draining sink, you should follow the following tips.

What Can Go Down Your Drain

Your plumbing system can’t handle everything. It’s designed to move wastewater safely out of your home and putting the wrong items down your drains leads to major damage and expensive repairs. 

Most drains are only meant to handle the following materials:

• Water
• Toilet Paper
• Human Waste

Remember, your toilets and drains aren’t trash cans. Even if something appears small or soft, it may not be flushable. 

What Can’t Go Down Your Drain

Many household items might seem harmless until they accumulate in your drain and result in a clogged drain repair. 

Food Scraps

Even if you have a garbage disposal, food can accumulate in your pipes. Be mindful of the items that you put down there if you want to avoid a garbage disposal repair. 

Things like pasta, rice, coffee grounds, fibrous vegetables, and eggshells are particularly problematic. 

Grease, Fats, and Cooking Oil

Grease and cooking oil accumulate in your pipes, leading to stubborn clogs over time. While they may be liquid when they’re warm, they solidify as they cool. 

Paper Towels

While paper towels are absorbent and durable, they don’t easily dissolve in water, which blocks pipes. Therefore, be mindful of what you put down the toilet if you want to avoid a last-minute drain repair. 

Hair

Hair forms clumps and easily tangles, restricting waterflow, especially in bathroom drains. Check your bath or shower’s drain to make sure that there isn’t hair buildup. 

Medications and Chemicals

Never flush medications down your drain as they can contaminate water supplies, while harsh chemicals damage septic systems and pipes. 

Fallen Leaves and Outdoor Debris

During the fall season, leaves (as well as other yard debris) can enter sewer lines or basement floor drains after a storm. This restricts water flow and causes major blockages. 

Issues Caused By Natural Wear and Tear

Sometimes issues can occur through no fault of your own. As your property ages, so do the pipes. 

Therefore, it’s important to prioritize drain repair services at the first sign of damage, as this ensures that your system is operating at optimal levels.

Signs of Wear and Tear

• Frequent Clogs
• Slow Draining Water
• Gurgling or Bubbling Sounds
• Water Backups 
• Discolored or Rusty Water

Contact Goodman Plumbing to Schedule a Drain Repair!

Don’t let a garbage disposal clog or slow draining sink wreak havoc on your household. With our clogged drain repair services at Goodman Plumbing, we guarantee your drains will be in a healthy condition. 

Whether you need a clogged drain service or a general drain repair, our team has you covered.

Call today to learn more about our drain repair services!