These are 7 Things You Should Never Let Go Down the Drain
Whether you have a septic system or a sewer there are things you shouldn't let go down the drain so your system is working smoothly for your home. Flushing or rinsing certain items down your drains can lead to costly repairs, unpleasant odors, and even environmental harm. To help you avoid these issues, here are seven things you should never let go down the drain:
1. Grease and Cooking Oils
After cooking, it might seem easy to just pour leftover grease or cooking oils down the drain. However, as grease cools, it solidifies, creating a sticky residue that can clog your pipes and cause backups in your septic system. Instead, pour grease into a container, let it cool, and dispose of it in the trash.
2. Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds are notorious for causing clogs in plumbing systems. While they might seem harmless, they can stick together and create blockages in your pipes. It's best to compost coffee grounds or throw them in the trash rather than rinsing them down the sink.
3. Flushable Wipes
Despite their name, flushable wipes should never be flushed. They don’t break down as quickly as toilet paper and can cause major blockages in both your plumbing and septic system. Always dispose of wipes in the trash.
4. Household Chemicals
Cleaning products, paint, solvents, and other chemicals can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your septic tank, which is essential for breaking down waste. These chemicals can also contaminate groundwater, leading to environmental hazards. Always dispose of hazardous chemicals according to local guidelines.
5. Medications
Flushing medications down the drain can be harmful to the environment, as they can pass through septic systems and contaminate water supplies. Instead, take advantage of local drug take-back programs or follow FDA guidelines for safe disposal of medications.
6. Food Scraps
Even if you have a garbage disposal, food scraps should not be washed down the drain. Foods like rice, pasta, and potato peels can expand in your pipes, leading to blockages. Compost food scraps whenever possible, or dispose of them in the trash.
7. Hair
Hair is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to clogged drains. It can tangle with other debris, creating tough clogs that are hard to remove. Use a drain cover to catch hair in your sinks and showers, and throw any collected hair in the trash.
Why It Matters
Your septic system relies on a delicate balance of bacteria to break down waste effectively. Introducing foreign materials, like those listed above, can disrupt this balance and lead to costly repairs, environmental damage, and system failure. By being mindful of what goes down your drains, you can protect your septic system and avoid unnecessary headaches.
Keep Your Septic System in Top Shape
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your septic system running smoothly. Schedule routine inspections and pump-outs with a professional septic tank company to prevent problems before they start. Remember, a little prevention goes a long way in keeping your home’s plumbing and septic system in excellent condition.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your septic system remains efficient, environmentally friendly, and free from unnecessary damage.
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