If you’re having trouble with slow drains in your home, it might be time to call a plumbing contractor to resolve the issue. Your system could be fully or partially clogged by substances you may have thought were acceptable to put down the drain. However, there are some household materials that can cause extensive damage and should never be emptied into the drainage system.

What Are Common Waste Products to Protect Your Household Drains From?

1. Coffee Grounds

Many people assume that coffee grounds are small enough that they won’t be an issue for your plumbing. Some household wisdom even holds that the grounds are good for your pipes. However, ground coffee can quickly build up in pipe bends, trapping other small particles along with them. This buildup can rapidly turn into a potential health problem. Put your used coffee grounds in the trash or compost.

2. Grease

Grease, oils, and fats in your drains and pipes will quickly become a nightmare for you and your plumbing contractor. These substances are water-repellent, adhesive, and binding. Hot grease will solidify as it cools. When it ends up in your drainage equipment, it can turn into an impenetrable deposit that continuously traps food.

Grease and oil can also coat the interior of pipes, gradually building up until your pipes are blocked entirely. Grease is responsible for almost half of the total sewer overflows that occur each year in the United States. Rather than pouring it out, soak up grease with paper towels before sealing it in a plastic bag and throwing it in the trash.

3. Motor Oil

Changing your motor oil is a simple and satisfying DIY chore, but many people are unaware that pouring it down the sink isn’t a proper disposal solution. Motor oil includes several toxic substances that can wreak havoc on local water processing systems. The EPA estimates that one oil change’s worth of oil is enough to contaminate 1 million gallons of water—enough water to supply 50 people for an entire year.

Contact your local waste management agency to find out if they accept used motor oil. Local automotive businesses may also be willing to help, as they likely have a contract with a qualified waste management company for proper disposal.

Are you in need of an expert plumbing contractor to repair clogged drains or pipes? Look no further than Millard Plumbing & General Contractor in Dardanelle, AR. For more than 30 years, this local plumbing company has proudly offered a wide range of reliable services in plumbing installation and repair, water heater servicing, and sewer line maintenance. Call (479) 229-1025 for a free estimate. Learn more about their services online.