After a large meal, no one wants the job of cleaning up. Not only are there dishes and utensils to clean, but many times, there are leftover pieces of a meal still in pots and pans. While you may be tempted to discard those remnants down the drain of your kitchen sink, it could lead to major plumbing problems down the road.
Read on to learn about seven things you should never be putting down your home’s sinks.
Unsafe Items to Put Down a Sink
Medication
The sink is one of the most important fixtures in a kitchen, and it's also where we wash our hands and prepare food. So it's no surprise that many people think putting their medication down the sink is OK. However, there are a few reasons why this isn't a good idea.
First, sink drains can become clogged with medication, leading to problems with the sink itself. Additionally, medications can react with other substances in the sink and create dangerous chemicals. Finally, there is always the risk that someone could accidentally ingest medication that has been put down the sink.
Certain Liquids
Most people think that any liquid can go down the sink, but that's not necessarily true. Some liquids can actually damage your sink or clog your pipes. Here are some liquids that you should avoid putting down your sink:
- Cooking oil and grease: These can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs.
- Paint: Paint can damage your sink and pipes.
- Nail polish: Nail polish can damage your sink and pipes.
If you're unsure whether a liquid is safe to put down your sink, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid putting it down the sink.
Grease
Grease is not OK to put down a kitchen sink because it can clog the sink and cause problems with the plumbing. Grease can harden and attach to the sides of the sink and pipes, causing a blockage. This blockage can cause water to back up in the sink and lead to flooding. It can also cause foul odors and attract pests. If you must dispose of grease, pour it into a can or jar and dispose of it in the trash.
Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds can clog up your sink over time. This is because the coffee grounds can stick to the inside of your sink and create a build-up. Eventually, this build-up can cause your sink to become blocked. So, it's best to avoid putting coffee grounds down your sink.
Eggshells
Eggshells can break down and clog your sink's drain. Additionally, the eggshell bacteria can contaminate your sink and spread to the food you prepare there. It's best to avoid putting eggshells down your sink to keep your kitchen clean and safe.
Flour
Kitchen sink drains are typically smaller in diameter than those found in bathrooms, making it more difficult for flour to make its way through the plumbing. When flour gets wet, it can become sticky and form clumps that can easily block a sink drain. If you must dispose of excess flour, it's best to do so in the trash can.
Leftovers
Most people probably think that because the sink is connected to the garbage disposal, it's OK for food scraps to go down the drain because they'll get chopped up and disappear. But that's not always the case.
Sometimes sink drains can become clogged with food scraps, which can lead to unpleasant odors and even attract pests.
Contact Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. for Your Kitchen Sink Needs
If your kitchen sink is clogged, and you have tried a plunger and baking soda with no success, it may be time to call a professional. The team at Korrect Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. can quickly assess the situation and get your sink flowing again in no time. Reach out to us online or by phone to schedule an appointment today. (937) 837-2333