What Not to Put Down the Drain: A Homeowner’s Guide

Ever had a sink that drains slower than a Monday morning? Or a garbage disposal that suddenly sounds like it’s chewing on rocks? The culprit might be something you’ve been putting down the drain without even thinking about it. Your plumbing system isn’t invincible—some things can cause clogs, damage pipes, or even lead to expensive repairs.

To keep your pipes flowing smoothly, here’s a list of what not to put down your drain and why.

Grease, Oil, and Fat – The Silent Pipe Killers

Pouring bacon grease or leftover cooking oil down the drain might seem harmless when it’s hot, but as soon as it cools, it solidifies and sticks to your pipes. Over time, this builds up, creating stubborn clogs that can lead to backups and costly repairs.

What to do instead: Let grease cool in a jar or can and throw it in the trash. If you want to be extra eco-friendly, look for local recycling programs that accept used cooking oil.

Coffee Grounds – The Hidden Clog Culprit

Many people think coffee grounds are small enough to go down the drain without issue, but they actually clump together and form thick sludge in your pipes. When combined with grease or soap buildup, they become a clogging powerhouse.

Better option: Toss coffee grounds in the trash or use them in your garden as compost or fertilizer.

Eggshells – Not as Harmless as They Seem

Eggshells don’t break down as easily as you might think. The tiny shell fragments can mix with grease and other debris to create blockages in your pipes. Plus, in garbage disposals, they turn into a sand-like substance that can gum up the motor.

What to do instead: Compost them or toss them in the trash.

Pasta and Rice – The Expanding Troublemakers

Both pasta and rice absorb water and expand—even after they’re cooked. If they get stuck in your pipes, they continue to swell, turning into a sticky, glue-like mess that’s tough to clear out.

Smart move: Scrape leftovers into the trash before rinsing your plate in the sink.

Fibrous and Starchy Vegetables – Not Disposal-Friendly

Potato peels, celery, corn husks, and asparagus might seem okay for the garbage disposal, but their fibrous and starchy nature makes them a nightmare for your plumbing. They can wrap around the disposal’s blades, clog drains, and turn into a thick, gooey paste that sticks to your pipes.

Better solution: Toss them in the compost or trash.

Flushable Wipes – Spoiler Alert: They’re Not Actually Flushable

Despite what the packaging says, flushable wipes don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they accumulate in your plumbing and can lead to massive clogs—especially in older pipes. Cities around the country are dealing with huge blockages caused by wipes, grease, and other debris, often called fatbergs.

Best practice: Stick to toilet paper and dispose of wipes in the trash.

Bones and Fruit Pits – Too Tough for the Disposal

Your garbage disposal isn’t indestructible—hard items like chicken bones, peach pits, and avocado seeds can dull the blades or even break the motor. Plus, if they make it past the disposal, they can get stuck in your pipes, leading to blockages.

Better idea: Throw them in the trash or compost if possible.

Harsh Chemicals – Good for Cleaning, Bad for Pipes

Drain cleaners and harsh chemicals might seem like an easy fix for clogs, but they can corrode your pipes over time, especially if you have older plumbing. The damage they cause can lead to leaks and expensive repairs.

Safer alternative: Use a plunger or a natural solution like baking soda and vinegar to clear minor clogs. For stubborn issues, call a professional plumber.

Hair and Soap Scum – A Slow-Building Problem

Bathroom drains are notorious for clogging due to hair and soap scum buildup. Over time, they form thick, gunky blockages that slow your drains to a trickle.

Preventive tip: Use a drain cover to catch hair before it goes down and regularly clean your drains with hot water and vinegar to break down soap scum.

Protect Your Pipes with Smart Habits

A little extra care goes a long way in keeping your plumbing system healthy. Avoiding these drain-clogging culprits can save you from the headache of slow drains, bad odors, and costly repairs. But if you’re already dealing with a stubborn clog or a bigger plumbing issue, Pilot Plumbing is here to help! Contact us today for expert drain cleaning and plumbing services—you’ll be glad you did.