
9 Things You Should Never Put Down Your Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink is one of the hardest-working fixtures in your home, but it’s also one of the most vulnerable to misuse. Many everyday items we casually rinse down the drain can cause serious problems, from stubborn blockages to foul odours and costly repairs. Beyond plumbing issues, improper waste disposal through your sink can have a negative impact on the environment.
This guide will help you protect your pipes and keep your sink running smoothly by outlining nine common items you should never put down the drain. These simple habits will save you money, time, and unnecessary frustration.
#1 - Grease and Cooking Oil
Pouring grease or cooking oil down the sink may seem harmless, but it’s one of the most common causes of plumbing issues in homes. When grease or oil cools, it solidifies, clinging to the inside of your pipes. Over time, this build-up narrows the pipe and restricts water flow, leading to stubborn blockages. Worse still, these clogs can combine with other waste to create severe obstructions that may require professional intervention to remove.
The impact isn’t limited to your home. Grease and oil entering the sewage system can contribute to “fatbergs,” massive formations that can end up blocking your sewer line. To prevent these problems, allow grease to cool and solidify, then scrape it into a container and dispose of it in the rubbish bin.
#2 - Coffee Grounds
Although coffee grounds might seem harmless when rinsed away, they can cause significant plumbing issues over time. Unlike liquids, coffee grounds don’t break down in water. Instead, they clump together and settle in your pipes, creating blockages that are often difficult to remove. These clogs can trap other debris, compounding the problem and leading to slow drainage or complete pipe blockages.
A better solution is to dispose of coffee grounds responsibly. Add them to your compost bin, where they can break down naturally and enrich your soil. If composting isn’t an option, throw them in the rubbish bin. By keeping coffee grounds out of your sink, you can avoid costly plumbing repairs and adopt a more sustainable waste disposal habit.
#3 - Eggshells
Eggshells might seem like they would easily wash down the drain, but they can cause more harm than you realise. The thin membrane inside the shells is sticky and can adhere to the walls of your pipes, trapping other debris as it passes through. Additionally, the sharp edges of crushed shells can create small blockages that grow over time, leading to slow drainage or even a clogged sink.
To prevent plumbing issues, avoid rinsing eggshells down the drain. Instead, consider adding them to your compost pile, where they provide a rich source of calcium for plants. If you don’t compost, dispose of them in your rubbish bin. This small change will help maintain your plumbing and support a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
#4 - Flour and Dough
Flour and dough may seem harmless when rinsed down the sink, but they can create serious plumbing problems. When mixed with water, flour forms a sticky, glue-like paste that clings to the walls of your pipes. Over time, this paste traps other debris, leading to blockages that slow drainage or completely clog your sink. Dough, with its elastic consistency, can expand and worsen the problem as it adheres to your pipes.
To avoid these issues, always scrape excess flour and dough into the rubbish bin before washing utensils or countertops. If possible, wipe them with a dry cloth or paper towel to remove residue before rinsing. By keeping flour and dough out of your sink, you can maintain clear, trouble-free pipes.
#5 - Pasta and Rice
Pasta and rice might seem harmless when washed down the sink, but they can create serious plumbing problems. Both foods continue to absorb water after cooking, causing them to swell and expand. This swelling can lead to blockages in your pipes, especially if the food becomes lodged in narrow sections of the plumbing. Over time, these blockages can trap other debris, exacerbating the problem and resulting in slow or completely clogged drains.
To prevent this, never dispose of pasta or rice down the sink, even in small amounts. Instead, scrape any leftovers into the rubbish bin before rinsing dishes. For an eco-friendly option, consider adding them to a compost bin if suitable. These simple steps will help protect your pipes and avoid costly repairs.
#6 - Fruit and Vegetable Peels
Rinsing fruit and vegetable peels down the sink might feel convenient, but it can lead to serious plumbing issues. These peels, especially starchy ones like potato skins, don’t break down easily in water. Instead, they can accumulate in your pipes, causing blockages that lead to slow drainage or complete clogs. Even small pieces of peels can become lodged in bends and narrow sections of your plumbing, creating a buildup over time.
To avoid these problems, use a sink strainer to catch any peel fragments while washing produce. Dispose of the collected peels in your rubbish bin or add them to a compost bin if suitable. By keeping fruit and vegetable peels out of your sink, you’ll protect your plumbing and reduce waste.
#7 - Bones
Bones are one of the worst items to dispose of down the sink due to their hard and durable nature. They cannot break down in water and can easily become lodged in pipes, creating immediate blockages. Over time, bones may trap other debris, worsening the obstruction and potentially causing significant damage to your plumbing system. Even smaller bones, like those from chicken or fish, can accumulate and lead to expensive repairs.
To prevent these issues, always dispose of bones in the rubbish bin. If you have a compost system that accepts animal bones, this can be an eco-friendly option. Keeping bones out of your sink not only preserves the functionality of your plumbing but also prevents avoidable and costly plumbing emergencies.
#8 - Harsh Chemicals and Cleaning Products
Pouring harsh chemicals and cleaning products down your sink can have damaging effects on your plumbing and the environment. Substances like drain cleaners, bleach, paint thinners, and other chemical solvents can corrode your pipes over time, especially if they are older or made of metal. This corrosion weakens the plumbing system and increases the likelihood of leaks or costly repairs in the future.
Beyond your home, these chemicals can harm local water systems and aquatic life when they enter the sewage system. Instead, dispose of such products safely through local waste disposal programs or hazardous waste facilities. By keeping harsh chemicals out of your sink, you’ll protect your plumbing, minimise environmental damage, and maintain a safer home.
#9 - Food Scraps
Food scraps may seem harmless to rinse down the sink, but they can cause significant plumbing problems over time. Even small particles can accumulate in your pipes, leading to blockages that slow drainage or create foul odours. This issue is particularly common in homes without a sink strainer, where food waste can easily slip through unnoticed. Greasy or sticky food scraps are especially problematic as they can trap other debris, making clogs even harder to clear.
To avoid these issues, always scrape leftover food into the rubbish bin before rinsing dishes. For an environmentally friendly option, consider using a compost bin for suitable food waste. By keeping food scraps out of your sink, you’ll protect your pipes, reduce odours, and promote better waste management.
Keep Your Drains Clear From Blackage Today!
Protecting your kitchen sink from blockages and damage is as simple as being mindful of what goes down the drain. Everyday items like grease, coffee grounds, and food scraps can lead to costly plumbing issues if disposed of incorrectly. By understanding the risks associated with these common culprits, you can take proactive steps to keep your sink and pipes in excellent condition.
Adopting better waste disposal habits, such as using a rubbish bin or composting, benefits not only your plumbing but also the environment. A little care goes a long way in preventing unnecessary repairs, saving money, and ensuring a clean, functional kitchen for years to come.