It’s a busy weeknight and you just want an easy cleanup, right? So down the drain, it goes…But, improper disposal of waste in your sink (or toilet) can result in major clogs, backed up drains, or other – potentially costly – plumbing issues. Your appliances work for you, but by no means, are they indestructible. To make sure you’re cleaning up smart (and to prevent plumbing problems), never put the following items down the drain.
In the Kitchen…
Fat, Oil, & Grease
There’s a reason your mom always kept that tin can in the freezer. After cooking, liquid fat, oil, and grease cool and turn into a solid. If poured down the disposal, these items stick to the sides of your pipes and harden. They also catch other materials on the way down, resulting in major clogs.
As if that isn’t bad enough, when these items are introduced to public sewer systems, they mix with other particles – damaging public infrastructure and affecting drinking water. Be like Mom and pour your liquid fats into a soup can and freeze. Then it can be safely disposed of into the trash can.
Otherwise, you run the risk of this…
Coffee Grounds
Believe it or not, coffee grounds are a major cause of clogs and should always be thrown in the garbage instead of your disposal.
Egg Shells, Bones, & Other Hard Foods
There’s a myth that eggshells sharpen the blades in your disposal. Even though your disposal may be able to shred hard food items with ease, it is still very likely that they can cause a clog in your system. We recommend you dispose of these items in the trash or a compost pile.
Having plumbing problems in the kitchen? Integrity Home Solutions in Tampa offers plumbing repair and great deals on your service. This includes our ‘$63 or it’s on me’ offer! Call [hls_phone_number] for fast, affordable repair service.
In the Bathrooms….
Diapers & Feminine Products
You may ask, “Who throws diapers down a toilet?” You’d be surprised. Feminine hygiene products (tampons, feminine wipes, etc.) are just as bad, and once stuck, a simple plunger won’t do the job.
Your next move is calling a plumbing professional, and the removal may end up being costly. Why? Often the clog occurs outside of your house and the plumber may have to tear up your lawn to get into the pipes if the snake doesn’t work.
Related > Must-Ask Questions to Ask a Plumber
Hair & Dental Floss
A few strands of hair are not a big deal, but when more than that builds up, you’ve got problems. The same goes for dental floss. Both can stick to your pipes and cause major clogs.
Paper Products
Toilet paper is the ONLY paper product that should ever be flushed down the toilet! It is designed to dissolve in water, but even still, only small amounts should be flushed.
Items such as wet wipes, paper towels, cotton balls, or swabs should never go down the toilet as they can accumulate and clog your pipes.
Call Integrity Home Solutions to Remove Stubborn Clogs
Perhaps you’re reading this article a little too late and have a clogged pipe on your hands. The expert Tampa plumbers at Integrity Home Solutions can help! Here’s how…
Video Camera Inspection: Among our box of tricks are state-of-the-art drain-imaging tools that allow us to get a real-time look at the inside of your drains. We will see exactly what is causing the clog and determine the best action to fix the issue.
Drain Snake Services: Another tool we employ is a drain snake – a powerful way to clear tough clogs and roots that are wreaking havoc on your pipes. Our drain snakes grab onto the mass of the clog and pull it out through the opening of your drain.
Clogged drains or toilet? Our fast, fully-licensed team can take care of your plumbing needs! We serve Tampa Bay including Brandon, Town ‘n’ Country, and Clearwater with emergency 24/7 service. Call us today at 813-328-1185 if you need a reliable plumbing pro near you!
