4 Items to Avoid Putting Down the Drain

Plumbing issues, occupation in sanitation and handyman contractor concept with plumber repairing drain with plumbers snake (steel spiral that twists through pipes to collect dirt) in residential sink

The sinks, showers, and bathtubs in your home are likely used on a frequent basis due to how much time your family spends washing dishes, bathing, and brushing their teeth. Due to how frequently the drains are used, it can be easy for the wrong type of debris and waste to be washed down. It’s important to be aware of items you should never put down the drain to reduce the risk of clogs in your pipes on your property in Bryan, Texas.

1. Hair and Floss

While spending time in the bathroom, it’s easy for a lot of your hair to fall out when you’re brushing it or washing it in the shower. Although a few strands of hair may not seem like they can lead to clogs in the pipes, they can start to accumulate and build up over time. This will immediately cause slower water drainage and can lead to smells and odors that start to form. Opt for brushing your hair before bathing to ensure any loose strands don’t end up down the drain.

Floss should also be tossed into the trash can because it doesn’t break down. It can get caught on any of the internal components of the pipe and prevent debris or water from flowing freely.

2. Meat and Food

While cleaning up after eating a meal, it can be convenient to toss all of the leftover food down the drain. Cooking oil can also lead to clogs because it solidifies when it hardens. Although you may assume that your garbage disposal is powerful enough to grind up the waste, it will still lead to clogs. Instead, toss out all hard food items, and only put soft items like mashed potatoes, soup, or cooked vegetables through your garbage disposal.

3. Paper Towels and Cotton Balls

Some people assume that paper towels and cotton balls easily break down when they’re washed down the drain or are flushed down the toilet. This typically leads to immediate clogs because the items don’t move down the drain and into the plumbing system. If this type of issue occurs, immediately call a professional from a company like Curry Plumbing in Bryan to dislodge the materials.

4. Chemical Cleaners

Chemical cleaners may be easy to find on the market, but they can cause a lot of damage to your plumbing system. The harsh chemicals and toxins they contain can break down your pipes and also allow clogs to return. Instead, hire a professional to perform drain cleaning to remove the clogs with equipment and tools that won’t damage your plumbing system.

If you’re interested in learning more about items to never put down the drain, call us at Curry Plumbing today. We can answer your questions and provide you with more information.

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