You've cooked dinner and thrown the leftovers in the kitchen sink to let the garbage disposal do its job. You painted a bookshelf and rinsed your brush in the sink. Or maybe you emptied the kitty litter down the toilet and flushed it.
We've all done things like this many, many times, usually without giving it a second thought. But did you know that those little misjudgments can cost you dearly?
It's correct. Abusing your home's plumbing system by allowing it to come into contact with certain objects and materials can eventually cause your home's plumbing system to fail. And that failure will cost you dearly.
While you typically can't see most of your home's plumbing system, you can easily protect your plumbing system from clogs and corrosion by observing what's going on down the drain and acting quickly if you notice a problem. You may need to change some habits or get your hands a little dirty, but spending more time and attention to your home's plumbing can save you a lot of money down the road.
How to tell if the drain is clogged
When it comes to identifying a plumbing problem, the good news is that it's usually easy to spot. First, you will notice that the water drains more slowly than usual, whether it is in the bathtub, kitchen sink or bathroom. Eventually, if you leave it alone, it will stop emptying altogether, indicating that the clog has blocked part of the entire pipe.
The bad news is that by the time one of your pipes reaches this point, the problem has likely been there for months or even years. Whether you realize it or not, chances are you've exposed your whistles to all sorts of foreign objects and things that don't belong there. And eventually these things build up until a clog forms.
Now you might be thinking, "But it's a drain. Isn't it there for me to wash in?
No it is not.
Your drain and the plumbing system that runs through your home are designed for liquids. But if you're like most people, you have a habit of using drains to dispose of all kinds of household items. And it will come to you. The obvious solution is to change your habits and be aware of what's going down the drain and what isn't. If you want to do this, it's important to learn more about your pipelines. So let's start with the basics.
What not to throw down the drain
These are some of the things that people often throw down the drain that shouldn't go down the drain in your house.
1. Disposable cat litter
Yes, we know the word "washable" is in the title, but unfortunately that's not an accurate description of this product. It is well known that even "disposable" cat litter can clog drains and create major problems for septic systems. In addition, cat litter can pick up bacteria from your cat's feces. This bacterium is resistant to chemicals typically used to treat water, meaning it can find its way into water supplies where it can pose a threat to many animals, particularly sea otters.
2. Ground coffee
Most people assume that coffee beans are small enough that they don't get stuck in the tubes, but that's not the case. In fact, most plumbers say coffee grounds are one of the most likely causes of clogged kitchen pipes.
3. Eggshells
Egg shells may seem harmless by themselves, but if you toss them down the drain, garbage disposal will grind them up into tiny pieces and then enclose them in fat and other oily substances to create a thick mass that can easily clog your pipes. . The best way to dispose of eggshells is to throw them away.
4. Fats, fats and oils
These three substances are combined because they seem to be the crack at kitchen plumbing problems. They act as binders for all sorts of materials, like the eggshells mentioned above, forming thick, sticky clumps that can coat pipes until nothing can get through them. As a matter of fact,These substances make up more than 47 percent of all wastewater overflowsheld each year in the United States. So when it comes to bacon fat, beef fat, and other similar substances, the best rule of thumb is to put them in a jar or can to cool and then toss them in the trash.
5. Produce stickers
These seemingly harmless little stickers can actually cause big problems in your pipes. It may not look like it, but even what little glue they have can be enough for them to stick to the inside of the tubes. If they make their way through your pipes, they can also get stuck in sewage treatment pipes and filters, causing problems with equipment designed to treat your water. If they somehow get past those two barriers, they could end up in the water supply. Any way you look at it, it means trouble.
6. Cotton balls and paper towels
Just because paper towels and cotton balls are biodegradable doesn't mean they will disintegrate immediately. They are designed to be absorbent, making them perfect culprits for clogging pipes. If you must use them, throw them away when you're done. However, we recommend switching to cloth towels, especially in the kitchen where a lot of paper towels are used in a short period of time.
7. Sorry
Don't throw away your condoms. We really wish we didn't have to mention this, but unfortunately we do. Condoms are made of rubber. Rubber is not biodegradable. Does not dissolve in water. It either gets stuck in the pipe or if it somehow gets through the pipes, it's probably floating somewhere in the water supply and no one wants to find it.
8. Household Liquids
Household fluids include things like household cleaners and automotive fluids. While not necessarily causing clogged pipes, these chemicals can be harmful when mixed with your water supply. If you flush them down the drain, they end up in the water. Car fluids should also never be introduced into your home's water system. Check with your city, county, or local auto parts store for disposal guidelines. Last but not least, you prevent toxic household cleaners from entering your water system by switching to all-natural cleaners. If you're feeling extra busy, you can make your own.
9. Medication
Sending drugs down your pipes doesn't seem like a big deal and you probably won't clog them, but nobody wants their drugs in their water supply. Years ago we were told to flush unused medication down the toilet instead of just throwing it away. Unfortunately, this practice has led to everything from ibuprofen to contraception ending up in our water supply. in 2002,The US Geological Survey surveyed 139 streams in 30 different states🇧🇷 Its purpose was to identify specific chemicals in the water supply. Not only did they find the chemicals they were looking for in 80% of the fluxes tested, they also found that pharmaceuticals and personal care products were a significant reason for the presence of these chemicals.
10. Feminine hygiene products
As with condoms, this should go without saying, but alasWhether or not this is appropriate is still a matter of debate🇧🇷 Some people and companies claim that flushing tampons is actually more hygienic, but plumbers - and anyone else dealing with a tampon-clogged toilet - tend to disagree. Women's products do not dissolve in water, which means they can always clog. And if they make it through your home's pipes without incident, they can cause problems when they reach septic tanks and sewage treatment plants. As a general rule, all feminine hygiene products should be carefully packaged and disposed of in the bin. It's just not worth the risk or the huge plumbing bill that can result.
11. Smart
It might be the last on our list, but this is one of the most serious issues we've been able to solve. Flushing paint down the drain is a big problem. In fact, most places have rules and regulations about removing paint, both water-based and oil-based. Depending on your region, you may need to dispose of the ink at a hazardous waste facility. Some regulations are so strict that you can't even wash your brushes in the sink because the paint will run down the drain. The problem is not so much the condition of your own pipes. The big problem is the amount of toxins and chemicals from the paint that can get into the water supply.
What to do if the drain is clogged or the garbage disposal does not drain?
Even with the best will in the world, you will eventually get a clogged drain. And if you're like most people, that might trigger a moment of panic. As a first step, we always recommend unclogging with a plunger. Yes, you can use a plunger on sinks and bathtubs, they're not just for bathrooms. However, it is important to know that you will be using adifferent kind of plunger and different methoddepending on whether you are working on a toilet, sink or bathtub. When submerging a toilet, you need a flanged plunger to provide the proper suction.
How to clean the sink or bathtub drain
- Cover the drain valve or, if you are working on one side of a double sink, cover the drain on the side that is not clogged. This keeps air in the tube to maximize the suction power of the piston. You can also increase suction by putting some petroleum jelly around the plunger cup.
- Place the plunger bell over the top of the drain, making sure it's submerged in standing water that's likely pooling in the tub or sink.
- Gently push the handle down.
- Repeat, gradually increasing the force you use to push. Be sure to keep your punches strong, but don't overdo it to the point where you break the pull you created before you started.
- Continue the repetitive pushing motion for 20 seconds.
- After 20 seconds, stop and pull back on the plunger. The obstacle must be removed at this point.
How to unclog a toilet
Note: If a toilet is about to overflow due to a clog, don't rush and submerge it or you'll have a big mess on your hands. Wait about 10 minutes for the water level to drop before diving.
- Locate the water supply hose that is on the wall behind the toilet. Grab the handle and turn it clockwise to close the valve and shut off the water supply to the bathroom.
- If there is still a lot of water in the toilet bowl at this point, use a bucket or cup to scoop out the excess water. On the other hand, if there isn't much water in the bowl, add a little. Either way, you want the toilet to be half full before you start using the plunger. This will ensure you have the right suction power to clear the clog.
- Submerge the flask until the top of the bell is covered with water. Insert the flange directly into the toilet drain.
- Push and pull the handle in one strong, repetitive motion for 20 seconds. Do not pull so hard that you break the seal and pull the plunger out of the drain. If you break the seal after 20 seconds, the clog should be gone.
Who do I call for help with a clogged drain?
Even with the best of intentions, everyone experiences a clogged sink or toilet at some point in their lives. And while we hope your clog can be easily removed with a plunger, we know that's not always the case. When the going gets tough, you need an experienced professional who will treat your home - and your plumbing - like they own it. You don't want to flip through the phone book and take a chance on the first person you meet. You want to call someone you trust to get the job done right at a price you can afford.
Uniquely positioned to serve our neighbors in Mechanicsburg, Dillsburg, York Haven, Lemoyne, Enola, Dover, Etters, New Cumberland, Lewisberry and more, Ready & Able Plumbing Inc.the most trusted installers in the region🇧🇷 In fact, after 20+ years in the community, we like to think that calling us is like asking your neighbor for help.
When you're in the middle of a clogged sink or toilet crisis, we know you don't have time to investigate and take risks. You just want to pick up the phone and call someone you trust. Someone who can be there quickly and has the knowledge to solve your problems in a timely manner. We pride ourselves on offering fast, affordable service from some of the most experienced licensed plumbers and technicians in central Pennsylvania. We listen to your concerns and then work with you to ensure our work is what you need to get your installation running as it should.
Let Ready & Able Plumbing help you restore your sink, tub or toilet.contact us today.
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FAQs
What should you never pour down the drain? ›
- Coffee Grounds. Since coffee grounds are not completely water-soluble, when grounds mix with butter, oil or grease already coating the pipes, there's an increased risk for clogs.
- Butter and Margarine. ...
- Cooking Oil. ...
- Grease and Other Fats. ...
- Eggshells. ...
- Medication. ...
- Pasta. ...
- Rice.
Rice can absorb water and clog pipes
As anyone who's ever cooked rice knows, rice grains can swell up and clump together when wet and these clumps can block your pipes.
Wondering how to properly dispose of laundry products like detergent or fabric softener? Don't worry – these products are designed to be added to water and rinsed safely down the drain, so there's no harm in pouring out any liquid products you no longer wish to use along with plenty of running water.
What two things should you never flush pour down your sink why not? ›Fat, Oil & Grease
When fats, oils, and grease are washed down the sink or toilet into the plumbing system, they cool, harden and stick to the inside of sewer pipes. Over time, the grease will build up and can block the entire pipe – both on your property and on City property.
Vinegar is both safe and beneficial to pour down your drain. It acts as a natural cleaning solution and can remove blockages and harmful bacteria that cause foul odors.
Does peanut butter clog drains? ›Peanut butter works on sandwiches and in mouse traps, but a disposal lined with peanut butter is a pain to clean out and a potential clog to your drain.
Can you put spaghetti in garbage disposal? ›Rice and pasta
Putting cooked pasta and rice down your garbage disposal can turn into a nasty problem. The garbage disposal mashes the rice and pasta and creates a thick paste that can cause your disposal to stop working or clog the drain, which prevents water from going through your disposal.
Bleach is a powerful, toxic substance that should be used carefully and properly, and pouring it down a drain is not a proper use. Bleach can react with other substances in your pipes, potentially release fumes, and further plug up the system.
Is it OK to put pasta in a garbage disposal? ›Pasta Or Rice
As such, it only makes sense to avoid sticking water-absorbent food down a wet garbage disposal, which could easily lead to a clogged drain. It's best to toss noodles or rice in the trash, but if a stray noodle or rice grain slides down the disposal, that's fine.
Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain. Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain.
Does Dove soap clog drains? ›
You wouldn't think soap is capable of clogging your drains, but it definitely will. Bar soap has a habit of re-solidifying in your drains, leading to clumps of it forming into a large, goopy mass over time that will eventually cause a blockage.
Can I pour Windex down the drain? ›Cleaning products do not typically contain ingredients that would harm the environment in the quantities that are disposed of by households. The vast majority of cleaning products are water soluble and are formulated for safe disposal in either municipal or home wastewater treatment systems.
Can you pour milk down the garbage disposal? ›Be wary of pouring down dairy. Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products can be hit or miss when it comes to just your garbage disposal. However, it's important to keep in mind that pouring dairy products of any kind down your drains is not recommended.
Should I pour milk down the sink? ›However, research has shown that pouring milk down your drain is terrible for the environment. It takes a lot of oxygen to break down milk, taking oxygen away from living organisms that need it to survive. Large amounts of milk have even been known to suffocate entire ecosystems.
What causes smelly bathroom drains? ›There could be odor-causing bacteria feeding on debris in your pipes. This process will give off a foul-smelling hydrogen sulfide gas, which smells like sewage or rotten eggs. Also, mold grows where it's warm and wet — and mold growth on the debris causing a drain clog can also cause a bad smell.
Why pour hydrogen peroxide down the drain? ›Hydrogen peroxide dissolves organic matter to loosen and flush away debris such as skin cells. It also disinfects the drain as it works by reducing germs inside your pipes and making your sinks smell fresh and clean. To use hydrogen peroxide on a clogged drain, look for a 3% hydrogen peroxide formula.
Will baking soda and vinegar ruin pipes? ›While the baking soda and vinegar solution is effective in breaking down a clog, it will also cause your drain to become more damaged. The baking soda's abrasive nature will wear down your drain over time. This is why you should avoid using baking soda and vinegar solution for cleaning out your drain.
How long should vinegar and baking soda sit in drain? ›Let hot water run for a minute to warm up the pipes. Drop in 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Pour in 1 cup of vinegar, cover the drain with a plug and let sit for 10 minutes – you will hear fizzing. Rinse with more hot water.
What's the strongest thing to unclog a drain? ›Experts agree: Drano Max Gel is the best overall drain cleaner because it works quickly to get rid of tough clogs. This reliable and effective cleaner is a thick gel that goes deep in sinks, pipes, and drains to reach the source of the clog and completely dissolve it.
What clears drains fast? ›Vinegar and baking soda have long been effective in clearing stubborn drains. This solution is also safe and household friendly compared to chemical-based drain openers.
What breaks up a clogged drain? ›
If you suspect a grease clog, a mixture of very hot water and vinegar can also help melt and remove the grease that's blocking the pipes. Allow it to work for a few minutes, then use a plunger to help move the clog along. You may have to repeat this more than once.
Can you pop popcorn in garbage disposal? ›Hard Foods: Hard food items such as meat bones, fruit pits, and popcorn kernels cannot be processed by your garbage disposal and may wear down the blades. Furthermore, they'll interfere with the motor's function, causing it to become overworked.
Can you put butter in the garbage disposal? ›Never put fat, oil, or grease down your garbage disposal, or any pipe for that matter. This include butter, lard, and any leftover fatty liquids. While they look like they should flow down any pipe easily, after they solidify, they can easily clog pipes and cause septic issues.
What dissolves food in drain? ›Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar. Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening. Wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to unclog your drain, Then take out the drain cover and run hot tap water down the drain to clear the clog.
What is the black gunk in my bathroom sink drain? ›The black gunk that accumulates in your sink drain is created by a buildup of bacteria living on hair, hand soaps, shaving cream, skin cells, lotion, toothpaste, and phlegm (yuck!). The problem with this black gunk is it will not go away by itself.
How do you clean a smelly shower drain? ›- Remove the drain cover. Clean it thoroughly with hot water and an all-purpose cleaner. ...
- Add baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1 cup of baking soda into the drain, then add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. ...
- Flush the drain. Pour hot water down the drain to clear it.
- Be Cautious About Putting Food in Drains. ...
- Use High-Volume Flush. ...
- Don't Flush Any Non-Food Items. ...
- Maintain Your Roots. ...
- Avoid FOG Buildup. ...
- Use One-Ply Toilet Paper. ...
- Do Preventative Flushing & Cleaning. ...
- Find the Best Sewer Line Repair Today.
Do not put meat, skin from meat, fat or bones down the disposal. Don't put rice, pasta, oatmeal or grits down the disposal; they'll clog up your pipes. Eggshells are a surprising no-no. They will also stick to the inside of your disposal.
Can you put onion peels in garbage disposal? ›Onion skins should be disposed of in the trash rather than your kitchen's garbage disposal because its outer layer is thin. The thin outer layer can get caught in the drain and not get ground, which eventually causes waste to pile up in your garbage disposal.
What foods Cannot go in garbage disposal? ›- Coffee Grounds. This is one of the biggest no-no's when it comes to a garbage disposal or any drainage system. ...
- Grease. ...
- Eggshells in Disposal. ...
- Onion Skins. ...
- Potato Peels in a Garbage Disposal. ...
- Hard Foods. ...
- Dry Expandable Foods.
Why should you put Dawn in your toilet at night? ›
It's pretty simple — just like they do on food particles that are stuck to your dishes in the sink, the combination of hot water and dish soap help to dissolve and break up whatever it may be that is lodged in the toilet, causing a clog. This handy tip is great should you find yourself in a pinch.
Does boiling water help keep drains clear? ›Can boiling water unclog a drain? If your drain is clogged with ice cubes — then yes, boiling water can unclog a drain. But if your drain is clogged with the things that normally clog drains — grease, oil, dirt, hair, etc. — then no, boiling water isn't likely to help.
Can a shower and toilet share the same drain? ›Conclusion. In short, it is possible to connect the toilet drainage line and the shower drainage line, as long as they both have separate waste trap arms. However, do note that combining them may also lead to blockages, which can cause smells to come from certain drains.
Does brushing your teeth in the shower clog the drain? ›Believe it or not, brushing your teeth in the shower and shaving in the shower pose potential drain clogging risks. The cap of your toothpaste and the clear cover on your razor could easily slip down your drain. Naturally, this results in a blockage.
Can hair go down the shower drain? ›If your bathtub drain or shower drain is backed up, there's a high chance that hair is the culprit. A hair clog is a type of clog that almost everyone encounters at some point. Even with a drain stopper, short and long hair will still find its way down the drain and create clumps that slowly block your pipes.
Can I pour vinegar down the floor drain? ›Pour the vinegar down the drain to kill the accumulated bacteria and eliminate the sewer gas odors. Let that sit for 10 minutes. Flush the vinegar with more boiling water, and then repeat the entire process several times until the drain is sufficiently clean and odor free.
Can I leave vinegar in my drain overnight? ›If it's still clogged, pour one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar down the drain, followed by two cups of boiling water. Let it work overnight to clear the drain.
What happens if I pour bleach and vinegar down the drain? ›You may permanently damage your septic system. Bleach and cleaning fluids create toxic gasses when mixed together. If you pour bleach and other cleaning agents down your sink drains, and they mix in your pipes, you can contaminate the air in your home with the resulting gas created.
What to dump down the drain to clean it? ›- Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain.
- Next, pour a cup of baking soda and 1 cup water/1 cup vinegar solution.
- Cover with the drain plug and wait 5 to 10 minutes.
- Pour boiling water down the drain again.
Bleach is a powerful, toxic substance that should be used carefully and properly, and pouring it down a drain is not a proper use. Bleach can react with other substances in your pipes, potentially release fumes, and further plug up the system.
Can I pour vinegar and baking soda down the drain? ›
While the baking soda and vinegar solution is effective in breaking down a clog, it will also cause your drain to become more damaged. The baking soda's abrasive nature will wear down your drain over time. This is why you should avoid using baking soda and vinegar solution for cleaning out your drain.
Does Dawn dish soap clean drains? ›Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain. Baking soda, vinegar and Dawn dish soap along with boiling water can safely unclog a drain.
Does Dish Soap clear drains? ›Greasy clogs can be cleared with dish soap and hot water.
For this method to work, the drain needs to be cleared of water. Squirt dish soap down the clogged drain and then pour boiling water down the drain. Grease is eliminated!
Follow the water with 1 cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar. You'll probably see some bubbles as the chemical reaction works its magic and opens your drain. Perform a drain cleaning on a weekly basis to keep the problem from happening at all.
Can you pour Lysol down the drain? ›You may permanently damage your septic system. Bleach and cleaning fluids create toxic gasses when mixed together. If you pour bleach and other cleaning agents down your sink drains, and they mix in your pipes, you can contaminate the air in your home with the resulting gas created.
Why does my bathroom sink smell like sewer when I run water? ›If the P-trap isn't working properly, sewer gasses can make their way into the bathroom and cause your sink to stink. Your sink should also have a vent that gives backflowing gases somewhere to go. If the sewer smell in your sink is caused by a blocked air vent, you may need professional assistance.
What happens when you put peroxide in the toilet? ›Removing stains from the toilet bowl
Those unsightly stains on the inside of your toilet bowl can be removed with hydrogen peroxide, while it works to kill germs and bacteria, too. Pour half a cup into the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush. Let it sit for 20 minutes before flushing the stains away.
While the phosphoric acid found in cola can help alleviate some minor clogs, carbonated beverages are certainly not the ideal drain cleaner. Better DIY methods include a baking soda/vinegar mixture, a plunger, or a plumber's snake.
Does baking soda and peroxide unclog drains? ›Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain and let it sit for 10 minutes. Next, pour in 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Foam will start forming as the baking soda and the peroxide start mixing. The bubbling action will help agitate the organic debris that's clogging your drain.
What can dissolve hair in a drain? ›Use Baking Soda and Vinegar
Baking soda and vinegar is a very powerful combination that can help clear nasty hair clogs. Besides helping dissolve hair in your drain, baking soda also has disinfectant qualities that can fight fungi and bacteria.
How long do you leave baking soda and vinegar in toilet? ›
- Check and, if necessary, adjust the water level in the bowl. ...
- Pour one cup of baking soda into the bowl.
- Slowly pour one cup of vinegar into the bowl. ...
- Allow the fizz to sit for at least 20 minutes.
- See if it worked.