Some people have one philosophy when it comes to the kitchen sink—if it fits, you “flush” it. But it might not be the best strategy. If your kitchen sink is clogged or smelling a little funky, you may be putting things down the drain that will have you calling the plumber soon.
Your kitchen sink isn’t a magical black hole where trash disappears with a flick of the wrist. Your pipes and the environment may be getting hurt by the things coming through the sink.
Here’s a list of common culprits that can lead to clogged pipes, foul odors, and other plumbing nightmares. We carefully cultivated this list by searching for recommendations from trusted plumbers and home experts.
1. Coffee Grounds
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They’re tiny and go away pretty easily, right? It appears harmless to wash away those leftover coffee grounds. But, they don’t break down as you’d think. Instead, they form a sludgy, sediment-like consistency that can easily clog your pipes (like the stuff you have to clean out of your coffee pot).
Next time you have grounds to dispose of, consider adding them to your compost pile or using them as garden mulch (if they need more nitrogen). They’re great for enriching the soil and you’ll keep your pipes running smoothly.
2. Eggshells
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Eggshells bits are little and brittle, what harm can they do? Once they enter your plumbing, they can become quite the problem. Tiny, sharp fragments stick to grease and debris, forming stubborn clogs.
Their membranes can also wrap around other blockages, complicating clearance. Instead of sending them down the drain, consider grinding them up for garden use or tossing them in the compost bin.
3. Pasta and Rice
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Pasta and rice are notorious for expanding when exposed to water. That means any remnants washed down the sink can swell up and cause major blockages.
To prevent this, scrape any leftover pasta or rice into the trash or compost before rinsing your dishes. It’s a small step that can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
4. Cooking Oil and Fats
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Pouring cooking oil and fats down the drain feels like a quick way to get rid of the grimy stuff, but it’s a recipe for disaster. These substances solidify as they cool, creating greasy build-ups that can clog pipes and cause backups.
Dispose of used cooking oil and fats by pouring them into a sealable heat proof container and throwing them in the trash.
5. Stickers
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Those tiny little produce stickers are small and insignificant, but they can cause big problems if they go down the drain. They don’t break down easily and can stick to pipes, creating blockages over time.
Take an extra moment to peel off those stickers and toss them in the trash before washing your fruits and veggies.
6. Bones
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Bones, whether they’re from chicken, beef, or fish, are too tough for your sink’s plumbing. They can cause serious blockages and even damage your garbage disposal blades (if you have one).
Throw bones directly into your trash or compost them if they’re small enough. Your pipes (and your garbage disposal) will be much better off for it.
7. Paper Products
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Although paper towels, napkins, and other paper products are biodegradable, they don’t disintegrate quickly enough in water to be safe for your pipes. They can absorb other debris, making blockages even worse.
Always throw paper products in the trash or recycling bin. This simple switch can help keep your plumbing in tip-top shape.
8. Medication
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Flushing pills or unused medication down the sink like they do it in the movies looks harmless and easy, but it’s a big no-no. These substances can contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic life.
Instead, take advantage of pharmacy take-back programs or follow FDA guidelines for disposing of medications safely at home. This is a great way to protect your local community and the environment.
9. Cotton Balls
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Cotton balls, pads, and swabs are soft and harmless, unless they’re in you’re drain. They don’t break down easily in water and can accumulate in your pipes and create stubborn clogs.
Dispose of these items in the trash instead. Teach your family members to throw even small pieces of cotton in the bin to prevent future plumbing problems.
10. Flushable Cat Litter
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Despite the name, flushable cat litter isn’t safe for your sink plumbing. It can swell and harden, blocking your pipes. Plus, it can introduce harmful bacteria into the water supply.
Being a cat parent comes with the little inconvenience of picking after your cat. Make sure that you always throw cat litter in the trash.
11. Paint
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What do you do with the paints when you’re done with your DIY paint job? Be it oil-based or water-based, paint should never go down the drain. It can coat your pipes and cause blockages, and it’s harmful to the environment.
Dispose of paint properly by taking it to a hazardous waste facility or following local guidelines for disposal.
12. Fruit Pits
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Fruit pits from avocados, peaches, cherries, and other stone fruits are too tough even for the typical disposal grinding mechanism. They can lead to serious clogs or even damage the blades. To avoid these issues, always remove fruit pits before discarding the flesh.
Discard them in your compost or simply toss them in the trash to keep your plumbing safe and functioning smoothly.