How much do you think it costs to de-clog your sink?
A clogged drain is one of the most common plumbing problems in homes. But what may seem like a minor inconvenience can turn out to be a significant problem if you don’t locate the issue. Therefore, hiring professional sewer drain cleaning services would be a fantastic option because they would do a better job than you could on your own.
Most backed-up sink repairs will cost between $100-$200. Yet, more severe problems could quickly run you more than $600! To avoid clogging issues, you need to know what you can and cannot put down the sink.
So, let’s dive in with five things you should not put down the drain.
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Hair
Most of you aren’t purposefully putting hair in your sink. But, every time you take a shower, hair falls out and goes down the drain. Over time, it builds up. And, you could find yourself with a hair clogged drain.
This problem is easy to fix. You can use a shower drain cover. It filters out excess hair. However, before putting the lid on, you should first use a hair removing tool to clear your drain. You can find this tool at most hardware stores.
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Coffee Grounds
Even though you make coffee using water, coffee grounds aren’t entirely water-soluble. Still, most people think the grounds are small enough not to cause damage to their drains.
But, they can easily coat and clog your pipes, especially when mixed with oil or grease. However, coffee grounds are great for composting. So, instead of putting them down the drain, toss them in a composting bin outside your house.
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Grease, Oils, and Fats
Anything greasy, oily, or full of fat can clog your drink. They cause an overwhelming majority of blocked sinks. Oils mix with other waste to create sludge.
Grease and fats congeal. They build up over time to create a water-resistant barrier. Then, they cause other waste to cling to the sides of the pipes.
Rather than putting these items down the drain, put them in the trash. Common oily substances include salad dressing, mayonnaise, melted meat fat, and gravy.
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Grains
Any type of grain like pasta, rice, or flour should not go down the drain. They all swell and thicken in the pipes, which will harden the insides. In addition, these grains will turn into a sticky and gummy flour substance that will further trap waste.
Over time, the pipes will clog.
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Bodily and Paper Items
Other than toilet paper, people send many things down their toilets. You should avoid putting the following down the drain:
- Paper towels
- Cotton balls
- Napkins
- Flushable wipes
- Condoms
- Feminine hygeiene products
- Animal feces
It is easy for these items to either clog the toilet or cause problems for waste management. They don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. They should all go into the trash. You can try to use eco-friendly products too.
Prevent a Clogged Sink: Don’t Throw These Down the Drain
Not putting these items down the drain will ensure you don’t end up with clogged pipes. Should you find yourself with a plumbing issue, reach out to your local plumber for assistance.
If you found this article helpful, make sure to check out more in the Home Decor section.
