At Mr. Plumber, we understand the importance of keeping your pipes in good condition. That’s why it’s important to be mindful of what objects you introduce to your pipes.
You may notice that you are having trouble with your pipes when your sinks become clogged, and your drain works inefficiently. While our team is highly skilled and can assist you with your plumbing needs, there are steps you can take to avoid needing a pipe repair.
Protect your pipes by following our tips on what objects you shouldn’t let go down your drain.
Cooking Fat
As cooking fat becomes liquid when it gets heated, it may seem like it could easily pass through your drain. However, as it cools, the fat will eventually become solid again. As it dries it may get stuck to your pipes, which can lead to clogs and blockages.
Instead of pouring fat down your drain, you should have a designated container such as an old can that you can pour the cooking fat into. When the can is full, you can throw it away and start the process of filling up a new container. This can keep your pipes protected and your drain working efficiently.
Bleach
When substances go through your pipes, there may be amounts leftover that gets caught in what is called the P-trap. The P-trap is the curvature in your pipes that holds liquid.
When bleach gets poured into your drains, trace amounts of it can stay in your pipes. This can cause trouble when other substances go down your drain. That’s because these two substances can react and create dangerous results.
Bleach is a strong chemical, and it could cause damage to your pipes. It could also mix with other substances to create toxic fumes. To keep you and your pipes healthy, avoid pouring bleach down your drain.
Coffee grounds
While some objects may break down and fall apart in water, coffee grounds do not. Instead, they may clump together and get stuck in your pipes.
When disposing of your coffee grounds, they should be thrown away instead of being put down your drain. Additionally, coffee grounds can also be used as a fertilizer if you are looking for an environmentally friendly way to dispose of your waste.
Starches
Some examples of starchy foods include pasta, rice and potatoes. These food products are bad for your drain, and they can lead to clogs in your pipes. This is because once starchy foods enter your drain, they can turn into a paste-like substance.
Even if you have a garbage disposal in your sink, it is best to throw away or compost your remaining food. By disposing of your waste properly you can keep your plumbing protected.
Medication
You shouldn’t put medication down your drain because it can dissolve into the water which will work its way back into the environment. Furthermore, as the medication dissolves, it can cause damage to your pipes.
When you have medications that need to be disposed of, you should always get rid of them correctly. This is to protect the safety of people, animals, and the environment.
Small Objects
Even if you don’t mean to let household objects go down your drain, accidents happen! Bobby pins, razor caps, hair ties and jewelry are all examples of things that may fall into your drain when placed too close to a sink or tub.
When these items go down your drain, they may not be able to pass through, causing your drain to work slower or become clogged. To prevent small objects from entering your drain, you should have a designated spot that is a safe distance away from the sink to place your small objects. This way, you don’t damage or lose any of your property.
There are also covers you can place over your drain to catch larger items. This will help to prevent items from falling through while still allowing liquid to drain properly.
If your drain has become clogged, Mr. Plumber can help! We also provide other plumbing services such as pipe installation, sewer line inspection and more.
We’ve proudly served San Antonio residents since 1977, and we always strive to be reliable and trustworthy. We’re ready to do what we can to help meet your plumbing needs. Contact us today to set up an appointment!
