While it may be tempting, tipping or pushing certain items down the drain is doing your sink more harm than you know.
Sydney Water recommends that only three things should ever go down your drain: water, soap and detergent. This is because any other liquids and food items can cause strain on the wastewater system, and possibly damage the environment.
In terms of your own home, putting food items down the sink can lead to a very blocked drain. A blocked drain can lead to expensive bills from the plumber and, of course, limited use of your kitchen sink when there’s a blockage!
Here are the 6 main culprits that can cause a blocked drain in your kitchen sink:
1. Egg shells
The sharp, hard edges associated with the shell of an egg can get caught with other items going down the drain, eventually causing it to clog.
Instead, here are eight ways to recycle your shells.
2. Grease
Grease and oil stick to the pipes. After pouring these substances down your drain they become solid, catching any stray food scraps that come past eventually causing a blockage. Instead, drain the oil into another food wrapper in the bin (for example, chip packets or bread bags).
3. Flour
When flour and water are mixed together, they can turn into a glue-like substance. After coating the edges of your drain, it can collect other bits of garbage and food scraps.
4. Fruit stickers
When washing fruit, make sure you take the stickers off. Stray stickers don’t disintegrate in water and could cause problems in the future.
5. Coffee grounds
Coffee grounds are a common cause of blocked drains. As this plumbing website points out, “Nothing causes more blockages and clogged pipes than coffee grounds and grease.” Always dispose of them in the bin or compost.
6. Milk
Surprisingly, pouring milk down the kitchen sink can be quite harmful. Milk hardens because of its high fat content. This means that when it goes down the drain, leftover residue or pools in s-bends can harden and easily cause blockages.
The best way to dispose of expired milk is to water the garden with it. Dilute your milk with water, and water your plants and vegies. They’ll love the extra nutrients!
How to unblock a kitchen sink
If you’ve accidentally put one of these food items down the drain, then it’s time to pull out the big guns: a plunger.
A plunger will become your best friend when you’ve got a blocked drain. Your plunger suction cup will have to be below the level of water in your blocked sink for it to work properly.
After your sink starts draining again, it’s recommended to pour down drain cleaner to clear any leftover debris or blockage. Then, flush it through with some water, and your kitchen sink will be as good as new!
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