Thanks to garbage disposals, it can be extremely easy and convenient to discard unwanted food scraps down the drain. However, not all scraps will go down without a hitch and should never be put down the drain.
Always keep grease out of the drain. Grease from cooking or leftovers will accumulate in your pipes and can cause serious clogs that damage your plumbing. To discard of grease and oil appropriately, transfer it into a sealed container and throw in the trash. There will still be some residue on the pans and dishes as well. It is important to wipe it off as best as possible using paper towels or dish rags before washing in the sink. The goal is to have as little grease in the drain as possible.
Another item to keep out of your drains are eggshells. As they break down, the shells can become almost dust-like, and the smaller particles can stick to the insides of the pipes, slow drainage, and lead to potential clogs. Your sink pipes are not the only ones to be careful with. Though some wipes are labeled as “flushable,” do not flush them. They do not disintegrate like toilet paper does, leading to severe plumbing problems. They also can easily become stuck and catch debris, creating a dam that plugs your pipes.
The efforts you take to keep your drains and pipes clear will ensure that you never have to pay for expensive emergency plumbing repairs.
Source: Santa Margarita Water District
