You made dinner, then tossed the leftovers into the sink for the garbage disposal to do its work. You may have painted a bookcase or rinsed your paintbrush in the bathroom sink. Maybe you flushed your cat litter down the toilet.
This is something we're all guilty of doing many times, often without even thinking about it. Did you know that even small mistakes in judgment can eventually lead to big problems?
That's right. You can endanger your home's plumbing systems by allowing certain materials and items to get into it. This failure will cost you a lot.
Although you may not be able to see the plumbing in your home, you can protect it from corrosion and clogs by being aware of what is going down the drain and taking action quickly if you notice any problems. While you may need to make some changes or do some digging, it can save you money in the long term by paying more attention to your drains.
How to tell if your drain is clogged
It's usually easy to identify a problem in your plumbing. You'll first notice water draining slower than normal, regardless of whether it's in your bathtub, kitchen sink, or bathroom sink. You can leave it alone and eventually, it will stop draining completely. This will be an indication that the pipe is blocked.
Unfortunately, by the time your pipes reach this point, the problem may have been building up for several months or even years. You've probably been exposing your plumbing to foreign objects and other things, regardless of whether you realize it. These things will eventually build up to the point of clogging.
You might be thinking right now, "But it is a drain." Is it not there to allow me to rinse my dishes into it?
No, it's not.
The plumbing system that runs through your house and drain are both designed to handle liquids. If you are like most people, you have gotten into the habit to use drains to dispose off any number of household objects. It's coming to an end. It's time to make changes in your lifestyle and pay attention to what goes down the drain. It's essential to learn more about your pipes if you want to do this. Let's get started.
Here are some things you should not do to your drain
These are some things that people often put down their drains and should not be in your household plumbing.
1. Flushable Kitty Litter
We are aware that the product's title includes the term "flushable", but unfortunately, this description is inaccurate. Even "flushable cat litter" has been shown to block drains and cause major problems for septic systems. Cat litter can also pick up bacteria from the cat's feces. This bacteria is resistant the most common chemicals used to treat water. It can then find its way into water supplies where it can pose a threat to many animals, including sea otters.
2. Coffee grounds
Many people believe that coffee grounds won't stick to your pipes because they are so small. According to most plumbers, coffee grounds are the leading cause of clogs in kitchen pipes.
3. Eggshells
Although eggshells may appear harmless, when they are sent down the drain, the garbage disposal grinds the eggs into small pieces. Then, oily substances like grease, fat, and other oils get trapped in the eggs, creating a thick mess that can clog your pipes. It's better to dispose of eggshells in the trash.
4. Oils, grease, and fat
Because they are the trifecta of kitchen plumbing problems, these three substances are combined. These substances act as a binder and coating for many materials, including eggshells. These substances are responsible for nearly 47 percent of all US sewer overflows each year. When it comes to greases, fats, and other such substances, the best practice is to either place them in a jar or allow them to cool before you dispose of them.
5. Stickers
These stickers, which may seem harmless, can cause serious problems in your pipes. Although they may not appear to be that important, even a small amount of adhesive can cause them to stick to your pipes. They can also become stuck to your wastewater treatment pipes or filters, which could cause problems for the equipment that treats your water. They can also end up in your water supply if they manage to get past these barriers. This is trouble, no matter how you look at the situation.
6. Cotton balls and paper towels
Even though cotton balls and paper towels are biodegradable, that doesn't mean that they will dissolve immediately. They are designed to absorb water, making them ideal for clogging pipes. You can throw them away if you don't have to use them. We recommend using cloth towels for the kitchen, where you will use a lot of paper towels quickly.
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7. Condoms
Do not flush your condoms. This is a shameful topic that we have to bring up. Condoms are made from rubber. Rubber isn't biodegradable. It won't dissolve in water. It can either get stuck in your plumbing, or if it manages to get through your pipes, it will likely end up floating in the water supply. This is something that no one wants to see.
8. Fluids for the Household
These household fluids include household cleaners as well as car fluids. These chemicals don't cause any clogs, but they can cause problems if they are added to the water supply. They can make their way into the water supply if they are disposed of down the drain. You should not dispose of car fluids through your household water supply. For disposal guidelines, check with your local municipality or an auto parts shop. Last but not least, switch to all-natural cleaners to avoid toxic household cleaners getting into the water supply. You can also make your own if you feel particularly industrious.
9. Medication
Although it might not seem like much and they won't clog your pipes, sending medications through your pipes may be a hassle. However, no one wants your medication in their water supply. In the past, it was more common to flush any unused medication down the toilet than to throw them away. This practice has led to all sorts of medications, from birth control to ibuprofen, ending up in our drinking water supplies. The U.S. Geological Survey examined 139 streams in 30 states over the course of 2002. Their goal was to find certain chemicals in the water supply. They found the chemicals they sought in 88% of the water streams they tested.
10. Feminine Hygiene Products
This is similar to condoms. However, there is still some debate about whether this is appropriate. Although some people and companies believe flushing tampons makes it more sanitary, plumbers and anyone else who has ever had to clean a toilet that was clogged with a tampon tend to disagree. Feminine products are not able to dissolve in water. This means they can get stuck. Even if they pass through your household pipes, they could cause problems if they get into the septic system or wastewater treatment plants. All feminine hygiene products should always be wrapped in plastic and put in a trashcan. It is not worth the potential damage or costly plumbing bills.
11. Paint
Although it may not be the first thing on our list, this is one of the most important issues we can address. It is a serious problem to flush paint down the toilet. Most localities have guidelines and rules regarding the disposal of oil-based and water-based paints. You may need to dispose of paint at hazardous waste facilities depending on where you live. You may not be able to wash your paintbrushes in the sink due to the risk of the paint contaminating the drain. It's not just about the condition of your pipes. The main problem is the potential for toxins and chemicals in paint to get into the water supply.
How to Drain a Clogged Drain or Garbage Disposal Not Draining
Even with your best intentions, you will eventually experience a blocked drain. If you are like most people, panic may set in. We recommend that you first clear the blockage with a plunger. You can use a plunger to clean sinks and tubs. They are not only for toilets. It is important to remember that each type of toilet, sink, or tub will require a different kind and method. To get the right amount suction, a plunger that has a flange will be best for toilet diving.
How to unclog a sink or tub drain
Cover the overflow valve. If you are working on one side only of a double-sink, cover the drain on that side. To maximize the suction power, keep the air in the pipe. Petroleum jelly can be used to increase the suction power of the plunger by being placed around the cup.
The bell of the plunger should be placed over the drain.
Gently press down on the handle.
Continue to increase the force that you push, increasing it gradually. Keep your motions strong but not so intense that you lose the suction you created when you started.
For 20 seconds, continue the repetitive pushing motion.
After 20 seconds, stop the plunger and take it out. This should clear the clog.
How to unclog a toilet
Not to rush if your toilet is overflowing due to a blockage, or you will end up with a mess. You should wait for the water to drop before you plunge.
Locate the water supply hose on the wall behind your toilet. Turn the handle clockwise to close and disconnect the water supply.
If there is still excess water in the bowl, you can use a cup or bucket to drain it. If the bowl is empty, you can add more water. You want the toilet bowl to be at least half full before you use the plunger. This will ensure that you have enough suction to get rid of the clog.
Place the plunger in water until the bell's top is covered. The flange can be inserted directly into the toilet drain.
For 20 seconds, push and then pull the handle. You should not pull on the plunger so hard that it breaks the seal. The clog should be removed if you break the seal within 20 seconds.
