While you can’t typically see most of your home’s plumbing system, you can easily protect it against clogs and corrosion by being vigilant about what goes down the drain and acting quickly by calling a drains plumber when you start to notice a problem.
Items to not put down your household drains
Your drain and the plumbing system running through your house are designed to process liquids. But, if you’re like most people, you’ve gotten into the habit of using drains to dispose of any number of household items. These items will build up over time and eventually get clogged. Try to avoid putting the following items down your household pipes and toilet.
Cat Litter
Even “flushable” cat litter has been known to clog drains and create huge problems for septic systems.
Coffee Grounds
Most people assume that coffee grounds are small enough that they won’t stick around in your pipes, but that’s not the case. In fact, most plumbers say that coffee grounds are one of the most likely sources of a clog in your kitchen pipes.
Grease, Fat and Oils
Grease, fat and oils act as a binder for all sorts of materials and create thick, sticky globs that can coat pipes until nothing can pass through them. It is best to let fat and oil from cooked meat cool down and place it in your bin, not down your pipes.
Cotton Balls and Paper Towels
Just because paper towels and cotton balls are biodegradable doesn’t mean they’ll dissolve instantly. They’re designed to be absorbent, which actually makes them the perfect culprit to clog pipes.
Feminine Hygiene Products
Feminine products don’t dissolve in the water, which means that they always have the potential to get stuck. And, if they make it through your household pipes without incident, they can cause problems when they make it into septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities. As a general rule, all feminine hygiene products should be carefully wrapped and placed in a trash can. It’s just not worth the risk — or the whopping plumbing bill — that may result.
What to do if your drains or toilet are blocked?
You can try to unblock your drains or toilet with a plunger but if you are dealing with a serious blockage, it is best to call a professional. For all drain blockages, call Jason from Future Plumbing and Gas WA on 0406 649 055 . Jason is an experienced plumber and offers a fast response service for drain emergencies.
