At Plumbing Amarillo TX, we’ve seen it all, kitchen sinks overflowing with grease, bathtubs that won’t drain, and pipes so clogged they could double as concrete tunnels. The truth is, most plumbing problems start with what goes down the drain. A small mistake here and there might not seem like a big deal, but over time, it can lead to slow drains, bad smells, or even a full-blown backup. And trust me, nobody in Amarillo wants to deal with that.
So, what should never go down your drain? Some of these might seem obvious, but others may surprise you. Let’s break it down so you can keep your plumbing in top shape and avoid an emergency call.
1. Grease, Fat, and Oil (The Triple Threat)
Cooking grease is one of the worst things for your pipes. You might think, “It’s just liquid! It’ll wash away!” But here’s the problem: once it cools, it hardens like candle wax. Over time, that greasy buildup catches food particles and turns into a nasty clog.
What happens when you pour grease down the drain?
- It coats your pipes like glue.
- It hardens and creates a thick blockage.
- It traps other debris, making the clog even worse.
What should you do instead?
Pour grease into an empty can or jar, let it harden, and toss it in the trash. If you accidentally get a little grease down the drain, flush it with hot water and dish soap to help break it up.
2. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds might seem harmless, but they don’t break down in water. Instead, they clump together and create a thick, sludgy mess in your pipes. If they mix with grease, you’ve got a perfect recipe for a major clog.
Better options for disposal:
- Toss them in the trash.
- Use them as fertilizer in your garden.
- Mix them into compost.
Fun fact: Coffee grounds can help keep snails and slugs away from your plants. So, if you have a garden, put them to good use instead of clogging your pipes.
3. Eggshells
Some people believe that eggshells sharpen garbage disposal blades. That’s a myth! What really happens is that eggshells break into tiny, gritty pieces that mix with grease and other debris. Over time, they create stubborn blockages.
What to do instead?
- Compost eggshells. They’re great for plants!
- Throw them in the trash.
If you want to freshen up your garbage disposal, try using ice cubes and lemon slices instead.
4. Rice and Pasta
Ever left pasta or rice sitting in water too long? It expands! Now, imagine that happening inside your pipes. Even if it starts as small pieces, once it absorbs water, it turns into a sticky mess that can block your drain completely.
Safe disposal tips:
- Scrape leftovers into the trash before rinsing dishes.
- If you have a compost bin, you can throw small amounts in there.
5. Flour (Glue in Disguise)
Mix flour with water, and what do you get? Glue. That’s exactly what happens in your pipes. The sticky mixture coats the inside of your drains, trapping other debris and creating a thick, pasty clog.
Better options:
- Use it for baking instead of dumping extra down the drain.
More Reading:
- What Home Repairs Should You Never Ignore in Amarillo?
- How Do Plumbers Fix a Broken Garbage Disposal?
6. Bones
Your garbage disposal isn’t a wood chipper! Hard bones can dull the blades, jam the motor, or even break the disposal completely. Even if a small bone makes it past the disposal, it can still get stuck further down the pipes.
The right way to dispose of bones:
- Throw them in the trash.
- If you have a compost system that allows bones, use that instead.
7. Flushable Wipes
“Flushable” wipes are one of the biggest reasons Amarillo plumbers get emergency calls. The truth is, they don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they pile up, leading to major blockages.
What happens when you flush wipes?
- They don’t disintegrate quickly.
- They combine with grease to create fatbergs (giant clogs).
- They can cause sewer backups.
What to do instead?
Toss them in the trash.
8. Medications
Flushing old pills down the toilet might seem harmless, but it’s actually terrible for the environment. Wastewater treatment plants aren’t designed to filter out medications, meaning those chemicals can end up in rivers and lakes.
Safe disposal options:
- Take old medications to a pharmacy for proper disposal.
- Look for a medication drop-off location in Amarillo.
9. Paint and Cleaning Products
Leftover paint, bleach, and other chemicals can damage your pipes and pollute Amarillo’s water supply. Many of these substances are corrosive and can eat away at plumbing over time.
Better disposal options:
- Take paint to a recycling center.
- Dispose of chemicals according to local hazardous waste guidelines.
10. Hair
Hair might not seem like a big deal, but it’s one of the top causes of drain clogs. It wraps around other debris, creating a web-like blockage that won’t break down.
How to prevent hair clogs:
- Use a drain cover in your shower.
- Clean the drain regularly.
If your drain is already clogged with hair, a plumber’s snake or drain cleaner might be needed.
11. Fruit Stickers
Those little stickers on apples and bananas? They don’t dissolve in water. Instead, they stick to the inside of pipes or get caught in water filters.
Dispose of them properly:
- Peel them off and throw them in the trash.
12. Q-Tips, Cotton Balls, and Paper Towels
These items might seem like they’d break down in water, but they actually absorb moisture and expand. Over time, they can create thick clogs that block your pipes.
Better disposal options:
- Toss them in the trash.
Need Drain Help in Amarillo? Call the Pros!
Even if you’re careful, drains can still get clogged. If yours is draining slower than a turtle in molasses, give Plumbing Amarillo TX a call!
We know Amarillo plumbing inside and out. Whether you’ve got a slow drain, a major clog, or a mystery plumbing issue, we’re here to help. Don’t let a small problem turn into a big one, call us today, and we’ll get your pipes flowing like new.
Attribution: Cover Image by FreePik
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