What Can and Cannot Go Down the Drain

Things That Can Go Down the Drain

• Water

This is the most obvious thing that can safely go down the drain.

• Soap and detergents

These are formulated to break down in water and are generally safe to go down the drain in small amounts.

• Human waste

Human waste is composed of mostly water and organic matter and is designed to go down the drain.

Things That Should Not Go Down The Drain

• Grease,fats, and cooking oils

These substances can solidify in pipes and cause blockages, leading to expensive repairs.

• Eggshells

Eggshells may seem harmless, but they can also cause blockages in pipes.

• Medications

Medications contain chemicals that can harm the environment and wildlife if they end up in rivers, lakes, or other bodies of water.

• Coffee grounds

Coffee grounds clump together in drain pipes instead of breaking down, which can lead to drain clogs. One of the easiest ways to dispose of coffee grounds is to compost them.

• Paint

Even though it’s a liquid, paint can harden and constrict the plumbing pipes, thereby causing clogs. Besides, it may end up in rivers and streams, causing water contamination.

• Condoms

Condoms can get caught in drain pipes, leading to blockages and potentially costly plumbing repairs. To avoid these problems, it's important to dispose of condoms properly in the trash.

• Produce stickers

Produce stickers are made of plastic, so they are not biodegradable and can easily get stuck in pipes.

• Cotton balls

Cotton balls do not break down the way toilet paper does and can easily clump together in your pipes.

• Cat litter

Cat litter is designed to clump and absorb moisture, making it very heavy when wet. When flushed down the drain, it can quickly accumulate and cause blockages in pipes and sewage systems.

• Paper towels

Paper towels are not designed to dissolve or break down in water like toilet paper and can get stuck in pipes.

• Cigarettes

Cigarette filters are not biodegradable and can easily get caught in pipes and sewage systems, causing blockages and backups. Besides, cigarettes contain a variety of harmful chemicals, including nicotine, heavy metals, and carcinogens. When cigarettes are flushed down the drain, these chemicals can leach into the water supply, polluting the water and harming wildlife.

• Diapers and feminine hygiene products

Diapers and feminine hygiene products are not designed to break down in water, and they can quickly clog pipes and cause blockages in sewage systems. This can lead to sewage backups and overflows, which can be extremely costly and damaging.

• Hair

Hair should not be flushed down the drain because it can easily become entangled with other debris, like soap and grease, and create a blockage in the pipes.

• Chemicals

Chemicals like paint thinner, solvents, and motor oil should never be poured down the drain as they can contaminate the water supply and harm the environment.

Contact Trust Rooter for Professional Drain Cleaning Services

Trust Rooter is a full-service plumbing company that you can rely on for professional drain cleaning and clogged drain repair. If your drains are clogged, do not hesitate to schedule clogged drain repair service with Trust Rooter. We are equipped with specialized tools and equipment to clear clogged drains and keep them flowing freely.