4 Things That Should Never Go Down Your Kitchen Drain
It is tempting to let various types of kitchen waste go down the kitchen drain than to throw it in the garbage can. The refuse will find its way into the septic tank or sewer system, right? While this may be true in some cases, remember that there are certain items that will cause clogging. It’s important to know what doesn’t belong in your kitchen drains to avoid the inconveniences and hassles that come with a clogged kitchen drain.
To help you keep your kitchen drain flowing smoothly, we’ve put together a list of four items that should never go down your kitchen drain. Here at High Speed Plumbing, we pride ourselves on providing reliable clogged drain cleaning services in homes and commercial properties.
It might be tempting to pour that leftover bacon grease or cooking oil straight down the drain while it’s still hot and liquid—but don’t do it. As grease cools, it solidifies and sticks to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup narrows the passageway and may cause serious clogs. Even worse, grease can combine with other debris to form massive blockages in your sewer line or the city’s sewer system, known as “fatbergs.” Instead of rinsing grease down the drain, pour it into a heat-safe container, let it solidify, and toss it in the trash.
Coffee grounds may look small and harmless, but they are a major culprit behind stubborn kitchen drain clogs. When wet, coffee grounds clump together and form a dense sludge that resists breaking down in water. They’re especially problematic when combined with grease or oil already lingering in your pipes. Rather than washing them down the sink, consider tossing your used grounds in the trash or, better yet, composting them—they’re great for your garden! If coffee grounds have found their way into your kitchen sink drain, causing clogs, reach out to a local plumbing repair service for a solution.
There’s a persistent myth that eggshells are good for your garbage disposal. The truth? They’re not. The thin membrane lining inside eggshells can get tangled in the disposal’s moving parts, damaging the motor. Meanwhile, the shell fragments themselves can combine with grease and other debris to create gritty buildup inside your pipes. If you're looking for a sustainable way to dispose of eggshells, they make excellent compost material. Otherwise, toss them in the garbage.
- Starchy Foods Like Rice, Pasta, and Potatoes
Starchy foods are deceptively bad for your drains. Items like rice, pasta, and potato peels continue to absorb water and expand even after they’re in your pipes. This can lead to a gummy, glue-like mass that clogs the drain and traps other debris. Even if you have a garbage disposal, starchy foods can cause trouble by gumming up the blades or forming blockages farther down the line. It's best to scrape these leftovers into the trash before rinsing your dishes.
Apart from being careful about what goes down the kitchen drain, it’s advisable to flush your drains with hot water on a regular basis to prevent clogs.
Contact the Plumbers at High Speed Plumbing to Clear Plumbing Clogs
Despite your best efforts to keep your kitchen drain in proper working condition, clogs may still develop. That’s where High Speed Plumbing comes in to provide clogged drain cleaning. Our knowledgeable and experienced plumbers are ready to clear even the most stubborn drain clogs occurring in showers, kitchen sink drains, toilets, floor drains, and more. We are equipped with a wide range of state-of-the-art tools and equipment, including hydro jetting machines to scour clogged pipes and restore proper flow of wastewater.
