Oil being poured into a glass bowl

5 Items That Can Clog and Damage Your Plumbing System

Tossing various kinds of materials or items mindlessly down your drain can be tempting as it makes your life easier. But in the long run, this can abuse your residential plumbing system. Doing this can not only cost you your convenience due to damage but also hefty amounts of money over time.

Keep your plumbing system at home in tip-top condition by protecting it against clogs and corrosion. Because of this, you have to book plumbing services right away as soon as an issue arises and avoid putting all kinds of foreign objects that don’t belong in your sink or toilet. 

Keep in mind that your drain and plumbing system is designed to process only liquids and you are not meant to put various items and materials down your drain. Here are some things that should never go in your plumbing system:

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG)

Fats, oils, and grease, which is commonly known as FOG, is considered to be the number one enemy of plumbing systems with their capability to cause severe damage. When these substances are dumped down your drain, they form big thick globs that clog pipes. As a result, this can cause potential flooding, sewer spills, environmental problems, and more. 

The best way to dispose of FOG is to place them inside a can or jar. Make sure to let them cool before placing them inside the trash can.

Eggshells

Never throw away eggshells by sending them down your drain. Doing this will cause them to get stuck in your plumbing system along with other oily substances and items, which can easily block the entryway and clog your pipes. To dispose of your eggshells properly, put them in the trash can instead.

Flushable cat litter

Cat litter, even though they claim to be flushable, can still clog your drain and cause damage to your plumbing system. As they absorb water, they can get stuck on the sides of your pipes and create a clog that worsens over time. 

The best way to dispose of cat litter is to place it inside two heavy-duty trash bags and put it in a trash can outside your home to prevent leaking odour and bacteria. 

Coffee grounds

You might think that coffee grounds are highly unlikely to cause clogs. However, according to plumbers, these are one of the top causes of clogged pipes at home. When pushed down your drain, these grounds can possibly remain in the drain line and attach themselves to the buildup of different materials and items.

Produce stickers

Assorted mnagos with their product stickers

Fruit and produce labels are seemingly harmless. After all, they are just stickers, but with the power of their adhesive, they can settle into the insides of your pipes any time and get caught in wastewater filters and pipes. 

Conclusion

Over time, your drain can have a nasty buildup of various chemicals and materials that can damage your plumbing system. To prevent this from happening, make sure to avoid dumping different things down your drain. Put only liquids into your drain as much as possible.

We’re a trusted plumbing company in Abbotsford, BC. You may turn to us for plumbing and heating solutions. Get in touch with us to book our services with Bromac!

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