Items That Should Never Go Down Your Drain

One of the common reasons why plumbing systems get clogged is because people pour the wrong things down their drains. Prevent damaging your plumbing system by not putting the following items down your drain:

• Bones
• Coffee grounds
• Eggshells
• Flour
• Oil and grease
• Pasta and rice
• Potato Peels

If you’re having plumbing issues, contact a Raleigh plumbing expert today for assistance at 919-383-7000!

Your plumbing structure is one of the most important systems in your home. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves—until it stops working. One of the most common reasons why pipes stop working is because people pour the wrong things down their drain. So, how do you know what items should and shouldn’t go down your drain?

The plumbing experts at JD Service Now has put together a list of items that shouldn’t go down your drain, to keep your plumbing system in excellent condition. If you are having trouble with your plumbing system, our Durham plumbing professionals can help you with repairs, replacements, and installations.

Items That Should Never Go Down Your Drain

Bones

Bones from beef, pork, chicken, and other meats can cause damage to your garbage disposal. Most bones don’t break down properly. Although fish bones are smaller and are less likely to cause damage to your garbage disposal, we still don’t recommend that you send them down your drains.

Coffee Grounds

Although coffee grounds may seem harmless enough to pour down your drain system, they can actually cause serious damage to your plumbing system. Coffee grounds can easily create clogs and buildup in your pipes. If you want to avoid major clogs, we recommend not throwing your coffee grounds in the sink.

Eggshells

There is a myth that eggshells are good for your garbage disposal because it sharpens the blades—this is not true. The shells are too hard on the blades of your disposal, and they can damage the grinding system.

Flour

While flour may seem like a simple powdery substance, it turns into a paste when mixed with water. Paste in your drain and garbage disposal can turn into a serious problem. In most cases, flour gets stuck on your pipes and causes serious clogs.

Oil & Grease

Grease and oil are two things that should never go down your drains. Grease will congeal and block the drain over time, causing backups. Like oil, both butter and margarine can seriously damage your drain system.

Pasta & Rice

Pasta and rice expand when they come in contact with water. This will clog and backup your drains and cause more problems in the future.

Potato Peels

You may push potato peels down your garbage disposal, but this is another food that can damage your pipes. The starch in potato skins will cause them all to clump together and cause your drains to clog.

If you are experiencing plumbing problems because you poured the wrong items down your drain, contact the Durham and Raleigh plumbing experts at JD Service Now. Call us today to schedule service at 919-383-7000 !