9 Unexpected Items That Are Actually Safe To Pour Down Your Drain

When it comes to the drains in your kitchen and bathroom, you don't want to risk pouring something down them that might affect or clog the pipes. Fixing a clogged or broken drain is not something you ever want to deal with, especially if you can avoid it in the first place. While you know some substances can be incredibly harmful to your drains like fats, oils, grease, and flushable wipes, there are some unexpected items that are totally safe. There are a few, like hot water or baking soda, that can even be beneficial and work to clean your drain while you get rid of them.

You should always avoid the big drain no-no's, which include starchy or fibrous foods, hair, or plastic. Don't pour or shove down anything that could potentially expand in the pipes and clog them, for example, tampons or diapers. You also want to avoid putting prescription medication down the drain or other hazardous materials like paint or pesticides, so as not to harm the water supply or the environment. If you aren't sure if a particular substance or material can go down the drain, it's important to do your research first. Here are nine items you can pour down the drain and not give a second thought.

White vinegar is one of the safest liquids you can pour down your drain. Not only is it harmless for the pipes, but since it's acidic, it can help fight any lingering grease or scum. If you want to give your drain an extra clean, add some baking soda to the mixture before pouring it down the pipes. This combination can help clear out any bad odors or remaining gunk in your drain.

While there are some fruits and vegetables you should never toss down your drain, including starchy or fibrous ones like potato peels, celery, or asparagus, there are a few produce items that can go down no problem. Most soft fruits and non-fibrous vegetables are drain-safe, specifically for sinks with garbage disposals, as they can be easily ground. As a bonus, citrus peels ground in the disposal leave a refreshing, "just-cleaned" scent. 

If poured in moderation, salt can safely go down your pipes. Some plumbing companies even recommend adding salt to your drain as a chemical-free way to clear out and dissolve any grease or fats. It's important to note, however, that large quantities of salt going down the drain are not advised, as the material can corrode pipes and create its own buildup. Salt may help to get rid of any small buildups, but it's not a save-all method. Some companies recommend combining it with vinegar and hot water as a cleaning solution. 

Believe it or not, some of your favorite carbonated beverages can go down the drain, and some are even recommended as a way to unclog your sink drain in a pinch. While this may seem like an internet rumor, there is some science behind the claim. Sodas like Coca-Cola typically contain phosphoric acid which helps prevent mold growth in the beverage, and it can help relieve pipes of small clogs or buildups. You can safely dump soda down your drains, maybe even getting cleaner pipes in the process. 

Like most liquids, coffee is perfectly acceptable to pour down the drain. Coffee grounds, however, are not. Coffee grounds are a common issue plumbers deal with, since they clump together and clog drains. If you accidentally pour some grounds into the sink with your coffee, pour boiling water over them so they dissolve. Fortunately, you don't have to dump your grounds in a landfill either, as there are plenty of uses for leftover coffee grounds around your home, including using them as fertilizer or for deodorizing shoes. 

While you might assume an object like an ice cube might be too rough for a drain, they are actually safe to travel through your pipes. Obviously, these pieces melt away quickly, and they can actually be beneficial for a kitchen drain. If you have a garbage disposal, it's recommended to toss a few cubes down about once a month to sharpen the blades of the disposal. Besides keeping the blades in good condition, the smaller ice cube pieces can wipe away grime and buildup in otherwise hard-to-reach areas. 

While having to dispose of an entire bottle of unused product is a rare occurrence, it is safe to dump hair care items like shampoo down your drain. Since these products are made for bathroom usage, they're usually drain-friendly. You will want to dispose of the product in small portions so as not to overwhelm your drain and pipes. Too much of this liquid type at once can cause buildup, which can typically be removed with hot water. 

If you have a small amount of alcohol, no more than about two bottles' worth, you can feel safe about pouring it down the drain. Ideally, you can dilute the solution with regular water before tossing it down your pipes. Pouring too much alcohol at once can harm your plumbing, so try and space out your doses. If you need to get rid of rubbing alcohol or expired alcohol, they should also be diluted with water before pouring them down the drain. 

If you have a bottle of unused or expired juice in your fridge, is it safe to pour it down the drain? The short answer is yes, in moderation. Most food liquids and beverages (minus milk), can be safely poured down the drain without causing any harm to your plumbing. The only exception is if the juice contains a significant amount of pulp, in which case you should avoid tossing it down the drain, as the pulp might cause blockage in your pipes.