Taking care of your kitchen sink might not be something you think about every day, but it’s important if you want to avoid costly plumbing problems. A lot of us are guilty of letting things go down the drain that really shouldn’t be there. It’s easy to think, “It’ll be fine,” and just rinse things away without a second thought.
But over time, those small habits can add up to big issues, like clogged pipes or a broken garbage disposal. To help you keep your sink and pipes in good shape, here’s a list of 10 things you should never put down the kitchen sink. Following these tips can save you from the hassle and expense of a costly repair bill.
featured Image Credit: grigvovan /Depositphotos.com.
Grease and Oil
It might be tempting to pour that leftover grease from cooking bacon or frying something down the sink, but it’s a bad idea. When grease and oil cool down, they turn solid. This means they can cling to the insides of your pipes, gradually building up until you have a serious clog. It’s better to let grease cool and then scrape it into the trash.
Pasta and Rice
These starchy foods absorb water and expand, which can lead to problems if they end up in your pipes. Even after cooking, pasta and rice can swell up when they come into contact with water. This can cause them to stick to the sides of your pipes and lead to clogs.
Coffee Grounds
Many people think coffee grounds are small enough to go down the drain without causing any problems. But that’s not the case. They don’t break down in water and can actually clump together. Over time, these clumps can cause blockages in your pipes. This leads to slow drainage or even a complete clog. It’s best to toss coffee grounds in the trash or add them to your compost pile.
Eggshells
It’s easy to just rinse out an eggshell and let the pieces slide down the drain, but those sharp little bits can cause trouble. When they go down the sink, they can catch on other debris and start to form a blockage. Plus, the membranes inside the shells can stick to the pipes, making the problem even worse.
Flour
Washing flour down the sink is a recipe for disaster. When flour mixes with water, it forms a thick, gluey paste that can coat the inside of your pipes. This paste can trap other particles and gradually build up into a serious clog. The best way to deal with flour is to shake off excess into the trash before rinsing any dishes.
Fruit Peels and Pits
Even if you have a garbage disposal, fruit peels and pits are tough and can cause problems. Peels can wrap around the disposal blades, causing them to jam. Pits, on the other hand, are hard and can damage the blades or get stuck in your pipes.
Medication
Flushing old or unused medications down the sink or toilet can have harmful effects. The chemicals in the medications can seep into the water supply and potentially harm aquatic life. Instead of flushing them, take advantage of pharmacy take-back programs or follow local guidelines for disposing of medications safely.
Paper Towels and Napkins
Unlike toilet paper, paper towels and napkins aren’t designed to break down easily in water. If they end up in your pipes, they can cause clogs that are difficult to remove. Even small pieces can combine with grease or other debris in your pipes, leading to a blockage that requires professional help to fix.
Cleaning Products with Harsh Chemicals
Pouring harsh chemical cleaners down the sink might seem like a good way to keep your drains clean, but these chemicals can damage your pipes over time. They can also react with other substances in your pipes, creating toxic fumes or causing further damage. It’s better to use milder, eco-friendly cleaners and to be mindful of what goes down the drain.
Bones
Even small bones from chicken or fish can cause issues if they go down the sink. They’re often too hard for the garbage disposal to break down completely. This can lead to jams or even damage the disposal itself. If the bones make it past the disposal, they can still get stuck in your pipes and cause blockages.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More From Million Dollar Sense
