Some people treat their household drains like black holes, as if everything poured into them will simply disappear. But the truth is that certain things should never go down the drain. Some are toxic, and others can lead to clogs.
1. Cleaners
“Water treatment facilities can remove a lot of contaminants, but plenty of dangerous chemicals that go down your drain will still end up being dumped into our rivers, lakes, and oceans,” advises Green Home. Many of the cleaning products we use contain phosphates, chlorine and other toxins that can harm the environment. So don’t pour chemicals down the drain; instead, contact your city waste center for an alternative disposal method.
2. Grease
Grease, fats and oils have a tendency to clump together and cause blockages within your pipes. In fact, one recent study found that clogs due to fat and oil caused almost 50 percent of sewer overflows each year. Rather than pouring cooking fat down the drain, allow it to harden and then toss it out with the trash.
3. Fruits & veggies
Having a garbage disposal doesn’t make your drain invincible. Starchy, stringy fruits and vegetables — like carrots, peaches and potato peels — are best put in the garbage. Even better, add them to a compost pile!
Avoid putting any of these things down the drain for cleaner, free-flowing pipes. If you do accidentally clog your drain, you know what to do. Contact the professionals of Service Plus Heating, Cooling & Plumbing: (317) 434-2627. We can help you with everything from sewer repair to drain cleaning.