Homeowners Urged To Stop Putting These 7 Liquids Down The Sink

When you have liquids to dispose of, pouring them into the sink seems like the easiest and quickest way to solve the problem. However, out of sight isn't necessarily out of mind, especially when the liquid poured down the drain causes additional problems. Some of the things that could ruin your plumbing if you dump them down the drain are liquids. Homeowners are often urged by public utilities not to pour certain liquids into their drains, and disposing of some liquids this way is even against the law.

A sink strainer is the kitchen essential that helps keep the sink and drain clean. However, it only works for food scraps, hair, and other solid objects; it won't stop liquids from causing clogs and damage to your pipes. Preventing problems is always easier and cheaper than calling a plumber to repair your drains. You can avoid clogs and pipe damage by keeping household cleaners, oil, medications, paint, and other harmful liquids out of the drain.

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are among the worst things to put down the sink. Although they may be liquid when they're poured down the drain, oil and grease solidify inside cold pipes, which can cause a blockage. It doesn't just effect your own drainpipe, either. When people put grease, fats, or oils down the drainpipes, it can create problems in the sewer system. Allow oil or grease to cool and dispose of it in the garbage.

Medications should not be poured down the drain. Although they won't damage your plumbing system and likely won't cause clogs, they can cause damage to the environment. The chemicals in medicines can harm marine ecosystems and contaminate the water supply. Some communities and pharmacies have drug take-back programs. If not, put the medicines in a sealed bag and throw them in the garbage.

Household cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to your pipes and the environment, as pouring them down the drain contributes to water pollution. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid pouring large quantities of cleaners containing ammonia or bleach down the drain. The chemicals found in household cleaners can also disrupt the balance of water treatment systems.

Paint can cause a few problems when it is poured down the drain. It can clog the pipes, similar to fats, grease, or oil. Another issue is that the toxic chemicals in paint can contaminate the water supply. This is why pouring paint, whether it's water-based or oil-based, down the drain is illegal in most communities.

Motor oil and other automotive fluids, such as gas or antifreeze, should never be poured down the sink. Toxic heavy metals present in motor oil can contaminate drinking water. As with paint, it is illegal to pour motor oil down the drain, and you could be facing a large fine, as well as damage to your plumbing system. It is also illegal to throw motor oil into your household garbage. Check for used oil collection centers in your area to dispose of old motor oil.

Some liquids that should not be poured down a sink drain are used to clean it or clear a clog. Boiling water is an example; many people will use it in a pinch because it's right on hand and seems safer than chemical cleaners, but it can actually cause damage to your pipes. When poured on top of a clog, the hot water sits in the pipes, which are not designed for boiling water. This can cause the pipes to expand and crack.

One of the mistakes you're probably making when cleaning your drain is using a liquid drain cleaner. These products contain toxic ingredients that are bad for plumbing pipes, the environment, and human health. Drain-cleaning liquids create a chemical reaction in the pipe. The chemical reaction and caustic ingredients can damage both metal and plastic pipes. Repeated use of liquid drain cleaners can cause plastic pipes to melt and weaken metal pipes, resulting in leaks and cracks. Treating your plumbing system with care can prevent damage and help you maximize the life of your pipes.