What Shouldn't I Put Down the Sink?

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A clogged kitchen sink is gross, and it could be a symptom of bigger issues such as old, worn-out pipes you can’t see because they’re hidden in the plumbing system.

Either way, you can prevent problems by not using your drain as a trash can. This is true even if you have a garbage disposal to manage food waste. Disposal units are meant to handle soft or liquid foods, but not these common drain cloggers.

Grease, fats, and oils
Greasy substances eventually congeal and create a sticky mess that clings to pipes and causes up to 50 percent of sink and sewer clogs. Butter, peanut butter, and other oily or creamy substances should also be avoided.

Large quantities of starchy food
Expandable foods like pasta and rice absorb water even after they’re cooked and then break down into gummy mush. Large quantities, such as a takeout container of old mac-n-cheese, can easily clog the drain and bind up your garbage disposal.

Fibrous or stringy vegetables and peelings
Vegetables like celery, asparagus, and artichoke are a definite no-no for the drain. Even if they go through the garbage disposal, their long, stringy fibers tend to ball up and create clogs.

The same is true for fruit and vegetable peels or husks, as well as the produce stickers that come on them. Large quantities of potato, apple, or other peels (even if they’re very thin) have the same drain-clogging power as fibrous vegetables.

Eggshells and coffee grounds
These items sound harmless but, since they’re not completely water soluble and don’t break down easily, tiny pieces can get caught and then grab other things coming down behind them. Over time, this results in a clog.

Flour
If you’ve ever made kids’ paste or play dough, you know flour is the main ingredient. When rinsed down the drain and mixed with water, it thickens, creates a sticky coating on the inside of the pipes, and snags small pieces of other items on their way down. To prevent this kind of clog, always throw discarded flour in the trash.

Medications and other chemicals
Putting medication, cleaning products, paint, or other chemicals down the drain probably won’t create a clog, but it could affect your pipes – and it will definitely pollute the water supply. It’s much better to dispose of these products in a sealed container and throw them in the trash.

Despite your best intentions, you may still experience a clogged sink. The professional team at East End Plumbing is here to help when you do. Call today for fast, friendly service!