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Every homeowner wants to avoid clogged drains. Knowing what not to put down the drain to prevent clogs can save you time, money, and hassle. Many people don’t realize that common household items can cause big plumbing problems. By learning about these items, you can protect your home’s plumbing system and avoid costly repairs.
Your home’s drains are designed to handle liquids, but not all liquids or solids are safe. Putting the wrong things down the drain can lead to blockages, bad odors, and even damage to your plumbing system. Understanding what not to put down the drain helps with drain clog prevention and keeps your pipes flowing smoothly.
Fats, oils, and grease are common in the kitchen. After cooking, many people pour hot grease down the drain in kitchen sinks, thinking it will wash away. However, as these substances cool, they solidify, sticking to the inner walls of pipes. Over time, this buildup narrows the pipe’s passage, leading to stubborn blockages. In severe cases, it can cause sewer backups and expensive plumbing repairs.
Why It’s Bad:
What to do instead:
Many people assume coffee grounds are harmless because they are small and granular. However, they don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they clump together, forming a thick sludge that sticks to the inside of pipes. When combined with fats, oils, and grease, coffee grounds create a stubborn clog that’s difficult to remove.
Why It’s Bad:
What to do instead:
It’s easy to assume that eggshells would break down in the garbage disposal. However, they break into tiny, sharp pieces that stick to other debris, forming clogs. The membrane inside the shell can also wrap around the disposal’s blades, reducing its efficiency.
Why It’s Bad:
What to do instead:
Pasta and rice expand when exposed to water. Even after cooking, they continue to absorb moisture and swell. If they go down the drain, they can clog pipes by expanding and forming a starchy paste. This paste sticks to the pipe walls, attracting other debris and leading to blockages.
Why It’s Bad:
What to do instead:
Can a condom clog a toilet? Yes, it can. Condoms are made of latex or polyurethane, materials that do not break down in water. When flushed, they can easily cause blockages in both residential plumbing and public sewer systems. Worse, they can tangle with other waste, creating massive clogs that require professional removal.
Why It’s Bad:
What to do instead:
If water is draining slowly or not at all, try using a plunger or drain snake. Avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes. If the clog persists, call a professional plumber.
Your home’s plumbing is designed to handle liquids, but not everything should go down the drain. By being careful about what you dispose of, you can prevent clogs and costly repairs. Remember, proper drain clog prevention keeps your plumbing system running smoothly. Keep these tips in mind and protect your home’s pipes today!
At Derks Plumbing Company Inc., we understand the frustration of clogged drains and the importance of keeping your plumbing system running smoothly. Our team of experienced plumbers specializes in Drain Cleaning in Los Angeles, providing fast, reliable, and effective solutions for all types of clogs.
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Client Reviews
Andrew Jalil2024-12-19 Alex did a great job installing my kitchen faucet and an under-sink Aquasana water filter. He also addressed a few other plumbing-related issues. He was friendly and helpful. Excellent work! Abigail Bigham2024-05-21 Alex does what other plumbers cannot do! He is our go to. Danielle Driver2024-05-14 Alex is very friendly and responsive. What a pleasure to work with! Lawrence Isaacs2024-05-09 Very very happy with the work Alex did for us replacing the tanks in our Aquasana filtration system. From first contact over the phone through job completion Alex was a pleasure to work with. He explained what he was doing, and why, every step of the way, and made sure we understood what we needed to do to maintain the system. Strongly recommend Alex! Joey Aucoin2024-05-09 Alex Derks has been such a lifesaver for me. Anytime I'm in a pinch with the plumbing in my home, Alex is only a phone call away and I've only seen great results from his work. He's reliable, knowledgable, and entirely trustworthy. A must-have source when owning a home. Eric Gorman2024-03-15 After working with dozens of plumbing services in the LA area, I can confidently say Derks is the best in the business. On time, reliable and capable of even the most difficult tasks, Derks goes above and beyond to make sure your water system is working correctly. Jason Gruenbaum2024-03-11 Excellent know-how and fast!! Reasonable pricing and super responsive!! Jonathan Hepfer2024-03-08 Alex is an expert plumber, and he always goes out of his way to educate me about how to prevent future issues. Highly recommended! Amy Block2024-03-07 I have used Derk’s Plumbing several times and Alex has always been responsive, knowledgeable and reasonably priced. I’ve never felt like he was trying to sell me on extra services that I didn’t need and he shows I on time and finishes jobs very efficiently. I’d highly recommend his services, especially if you’re dealing with an older home. Rachel Sheff2024-03-07 The greatest. Always professional and honest
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