5 Things You Should Never Put Down Your Drain

At Pederson's Plumbing, your trusted licensed plumber Kansas City, we've seen it all when it comes to drain issues. Many common household habits can lead to serious clogs and damage, requiring professional plumbing services Kansas City. To help you avoid these headaches, we've put together a list of five things that should never find their way down your drains. Protecting your plumbing system is easier than you think!

A close-up image of solidified grease in a pan, ready for disposal, with a kitchen sink in the blurred background.

The Dangers of Grease and Oils

One of the biggest culprits for drain clogs is grease, fats, and oils. When hot, these substances are liquid, but as they cool, they solidify and stick to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this buildup can create a stubborn blockage that severely restricts water flow, eventually leading to a complete clog. Instead of pouring them down the drain, always dispose of grease and oils in the trash once they've cooled.

A handful of used coffee grounds being placed into a compost bin, with a coffee cup in the background.

Coffee Grounds: A Surprising Culprit

While coffee grounds might seem harmless, they are surprisingly detrimental to your plumbing. These small particles don't dissolve in water and can accumulate in your pipes, especially in areas with slow drainage. They act like sediment, building up and creating a sludge that can cause significant blockages. Composting coffee grounds or disposing of them in the trash is a much better alternative.

A bathroom drain with a simple mesh drain screen in place, catching strands of hair.

Hair: The Tangling Menace

Hair, whether from showering or shaving, is a common cause of bathroom drain clogs. It combines with soap scum and other debris to form tangled masses that are incredibly difficult to remove without professional help. Regular use of drain screens can significantly reduce the amount of hair that goes down your drain, helping you avoid the need for extensive plumbing services Kansas City.

A "flushable" wipe being held over a trash can, emphasizing disposal rather than flushing, with a toilet in the background.

"Flushable" Wipes and Paper Products

Despite being labeled "flushable," most wipes and even excessive amounts of paper towels or feminine hygiene products do not break down in water like toilet paper. These items can easily get snagged on pipe imperfections, leading to severe clogs in your sewer lines or even in the municipal system. When in doubt, only flush human waste and toilet paper. Your pipes, and your local plumber Kansas City, will thank you.

Taking simple preventative measures can save you from inconvenient and costly plumbing repairs. By being mindful of what goes down your drains, you can ensure your plumbing system operates smoothly for years to come. If you do encounter a stubborn clog or need reliable plumbing services Kansas City, don't hesitate to contact Pederson's Plumbing. We're here to help!

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