What To Avoid Putting Down Your Drain

Many household items accidentally get run down the drain when they should be disposed of elsewhere. These items can build up in your drain and potentially land you a plumbing bill that could have been avoided. The items may also harm the environment by adding plastic or other substances that can’t be broken down. That being said, it’s best to be aware of what household items can be dumped or flushed. Here are a few common items that often get mistaken for being able to be disposed of down the drain.

Common Household Items

Firstly, health and beauty products can often contain chemicals that can be harmful to ecosystems. For example, exfoliating scrubs with beads often contain polyethylene, a plastic that does not break down. To get rid of these materials properly, take them to a disposal site. Antibiotics and antidepressants can also be harmful to local environments. To dispose of these properly the Food and Drug Administration encourages the use of drug take-back programs.

Coffee grounds and eggshells can also be harmful in your kitchen sink. Both of these items don’t break down and clump in your plumbing system long after running down the materials down the drain. Grease and oil can also block your pipes. If you have any remains after cooking, store the grease in a container and bring them to a disposal station. Correctly disposing of household items is important for homeowners to keep their pipes healthy. Check out the resource below for a few more examples of common items often mistakenly disposed of down the drain. It will also discuss a few environmentally friendly alternatives for each harmful item.