Plumbing emergencies come in many shapes and forms. Some can be leaking pipes under the kitchen sink, while others can be clogged up drains in the showers. While there are many causes of these emergencies, one of the biggest reasons is that people throw things into their drains that are not supposed to go there. This only leads to clogs that can severely damage the plumbing system, leading to costly fixes and headaches.
If you want to minimize the likelihood of your drains getting clogged, avoid throwing the following items into them:
1. Oil
Oil, while seemingly harmless, is one of the worst things you can pour down your drains. Even though it is liquid in form, it only stays this way when it is warm or hot. Drains are generally cold, meaning that once it enters your drain, the oil or grease solidifies. To properly get rid of used oil, let it cool down, pour it into a jar or plastic bag, then throw it in the trash.
2. Cotton
Cotton products, like cotton balls, do not dissolve. This means that if you were to leave them in the water, they would maintain their shape forever. Cotton balls can slowly accumulate in your drains and slowly lead to a clog. Always ensure you throw away your cotton products into the bin rather than down the drain.
3. Eggshells
Eggshells are likely to get into drains because many people peel eggs in their sinks. Unfortunately, eggshells do not dissolve. This means that they can collect in the drain, slowly creating a clog. To get rid of your eggshells, throw them in the bin. If you have a garden, consider using them as compost.
4. Coffee Grounds
Like eggshells, coffee grounds are one of the most common products thrown into drains. Once again, they do not dissolve, and they can easily clump up together when wet and seal a drain. Always avoid throwing your coffee grounds down the drain and throw them away in the bin or use them as compost like eggshells.
5. Paper Towels
Not many people realize that paper towels can cause clogs. That is because they see that paper quickly disintegrates when coming into contact with water. However, paper towels are built to be much more durable and will not disintegrate as quickly, increasing the likelihood of clogging. Once again, throw your used paper towels into the bin.
Conclusion
There are many other things you should avoid tossing into your drains, including hygiene products, condoms, stickers, and more. Even chemicals, such as cleaning solutions, should not be thrown down the drain, as doing so can lead to other issues, such as turning water supplies toxic.
With that in mind, be proactive in keeping the above items away from any drains in your home. If you do run into a clogging problem, do not hesitate to call a plumber. They will quickly solve the issue and offer you advice on how you can avoid such problems in the future.
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