What Not to Put Down Your Drains: Essential Plumbing Tips for a Healthy Home
At AC Mechanical, we know that a smooth-running plumbing system is one of the unsung heroes of a comfortable home. But even the best plumbing can’t stand up to certain items that cause clogs, backups, or long-term pipe damage. Whether you’re washing dishes, cleaning up after dinner, or handling everyday home tasks, here’s a friendly reminder of what should never go down your drains.
1. Grease, Fats & Oils
This is the number one culprit behind stubborn kitchen drain clogs. Grease may look liquid when it's hot, but once it cools inside your pipes, it hardens into a sticky mess. That buildup catches other debris and eventually creates a serious blockage.
Pro Tip: Pour cooled grease into a disposable container and toss it in the trash.
2. Coffee Grounds
Despite their tiny size, coffee grounds love to stick together inside pipes. When combined with grease or soap residue, they form thick sludge that’s tough to remove.
3. Eggshells
Even if you have a garbage disposal, eggshells can cause trouble. The shell membranes can wrap around disposal blades, and the ground-up bits collect in pipes, contributing to clogs.
4. Flour and Dough
Flour + water = glue. When flour washes down the drain, it expands, thickens, and sticks to pipes. Over time, this paste-like buildup can narrow your pipes and slow drainage.
5. “Flushable” Wipes
Unfortunately, most wipes labeled “flushable” don’t break down like toilet paper. Instead, they create clogs in both home plumbing and city sewer systems. Stick to flushing toilet paper only.
6. Food Scraps (Especially Starchy or Fibrous Foods)
Items like rice, pasta, potato peels, and celery can swell, tangle, or form thick pastes inside your pipes. Always scrape plates into the trash or compost before washing.
7. Paint, Chemicals & Cleaning Products
These can corrode pipes and contaminate water systems. Many cleaning solutions are safe in small amounts, but paint, solvents, and harsh chemicals should never go down sinks or drains.
8. Hair
Hair is one of the most common causes of bathroom drain clogs. It binds with soap scum and forms tough blockages that require manual removal.
Pro Tip: Install inexpensive drain screens in showers and tubs to catch hair before it enters your plumbing.
9. Cat Litter
Even “flushable” cat litter can clump inside pipes or swell when wet. Plus, cat waste can carry harmful pathogens that municipal treatment plants aren’t equipped to handle.
10. Paper Towels, Cotton Balls & Hygiene Products
These items are designed to absorb water—not break down in it. Flushing them can lead to toilet clogs and sewer backups.
Protect Your Plumbing & Save Yourself Stress
Being mindful of what goes down your drains is one of the simplest ways to avoid plumbing emergencies. If you ever find yourself facing a stubborn clog or slow drain, our team at AC Mechanical is here to help with fast, reliable plumbing services throughout Cheyenne and southeastern Wyoming.
Need help with a drain issue or plumbing repair? Contact us anytime—we’re here to keep your home running smoothly.