A clogged drain is every homeowner’s nightmare. While some drain clogs are unavoidable, a few simple prevention tips will help keep your piping free of obstructions. Learning what not to put down the drain can save you a lot of frustration and money.
The key principle is this: drains are for liquids, not for solid garbage disposal use. If you still run into a drain clog, call us. Our top plumbers in Bedford can resolve any clogged drain quickly and efficiently.
1. Grease, Oil, and Fats
Bedford’s Department of Public Works provides efficient municipal services, including sewage collection. Nevertheless, both private and municipal piping may fail to handle grease, fats, and oils.
Why are oils and fats such a disaster for drains? Bacon fat, grease, and even olive oil can solidify down the piping and block drains. Oils can also combine with other substances and create even worse clogs.
Don’t pour grease or oil down the drain. Add some paper towels or coffee grounds to absorb it and throw it in the trash.
2. Fruit and Vegetable Peels
As part of responsible septic system maintenance, make sure no fruit or vegetable peels end down the drain.
You may think that organic waste like vegetable peels will break down eventually, but it will clog your drains long before that. The fibrous peels of carrots, onions, apples, and other vegetables and fruits can create a major plug that only a professional plumber can dislodge. Throw these scraps in an organic waste processor or, better yet, start a compost pile.
3. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are another item to mention under the category of what not to put down the drain. Grounds don’t dissolve well in water, and if they get stuck in any grease or oil coating your piping, they can form a clog.
Instead of sending coffee grounds down the drain, add them to your compost pile or even use them directly as a fertilizer for acid-loving plants like roses and African violets.
4. Starchy Foods
Pasta, rice, and other high-carbohydrate foods expand in water and release starches. This may be great for risotto but less so for your drains.
Sticky carbohydrates can form stubborn clogs, so watch for any bits that may go down your kitchen drain as you strain the pasta pot. A simple anti-clog sink strainer can help you catch any stray pieces of food.
5. Paint
Paint is another item on the list of what not to put down the drain. Paint residues can cling to your piping and narrow its diameter. When this happens, even a small clump may cause a blockage.
Bedford, MA, provides detailed instructions for disposing of paint. You can put cans containing dried-out latex paint in the trash or drop off surplus liquid paint at a RECOLOR® collection site.
Oil-based paints aren’t safe to throw in regular trash. Instead, drop them off during Household Hazardous Waste Days. Make sure to check the dates and pre-register.
6. Flushable Wipes
Does it say “flushable” on a package of wipes? Don’t believe it. Many manufacturers lead consumers to think that their wipes are safe to flush. This is a mistake that can wreak havoc on your piping.
Most flushable wipes don’t disintegrate as easily as you’d assume. They can remain intact for a long time and cause clogs, sewage backups, and even problems for water processing plants. To sum it up, don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet.
7. Hair
Any hair that slips down the drain when you shower is a recipe for trouble. The same goes for pet fur. Shed hairs mix with sticky shampoo, conditioner, and soaps to create major clogs.
A quality drain screen will help you catch that pesky hair before it ends in your piping. You can also try using a hair snake to fish out any hair if it’s stuck close enough to the drain opening. Any hair lodged further down will require a visit from a professional plumber.
Dealing With a Drain Clog in Bedford, MA? Call A&L Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Inc
Even if you’re a responsible homeowner who knows what not to put down the drain, pipe blockages may still happen. If you’re dealing with a drain clog or any other plumbing issue, call our team.
We invite you to browse our site and learn more about A&L Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling. As a family-owned local business proudly serving Bedford, MA, since 1975, we’re here to make sure your plumbing system works without a hitch.
Call 508-250-0072 or contact us online to schedule a service call.