This is Why You Have a Clogged Drain - Al Bourgeois Plumbing & Heating

This is a story of a man and his sink. Day in and day out, he washes dishes, hands and sometimes even his dog in the sink. Every once in a while, hair or a scrap of food will slip under the strainer and he’ll say: “Oops! Oh well. I just won’t let it happen again.” If this story sounds familiar, or the protagonist hits a little too close to home, that’s because most people in America drop stuff down the drains all the time. When it happens, you think that it was only a little bit of gunk and you’ll be more careful in the future. Tragically, we always seem to forget this promise to our drains. But a clogged drain never forgets, because a drain can hold a grudge thicker than that can of mushroom soup that accidentally slipped out of your hands…and down your drain.

It’s true that there are some things that are safe to go down the drain. But if items such as grease and coffee grinds find their way into your sink, these safer items might end up unwittingly participating in a cloggy coupe. Read on to learn what should never go down your sink and what is safe to put down your garbage disposal!

Is My Drain Clogged?

It can be difficult to determine if your drain is clogged, or if there is a more sinister plumbing problem afoot. Chances are, your pipes are blocked and the gunk needs to be professionally removed. The following are signs that your drain has a clog.

• Unpleasant odors coming from your drain
• Water has backed up in to your bathtub or sink
• Slowly draining water
• Bubbling toilet water
• Unexplained puddles of water near kitchen or bathroom appliances

If you notice any of these symptoms, you probably have a drain that needs a little extra attention. A bad clog won’t go away on it’s own, so it’s important to call a professional right away.

5 Common Items to Keep Far Away from Your Drain

1. Stickers: There are stickers on everything, these days! Produce, price tags, kitchen supplies, etc. Misinformation about fruit stickers being “edible” caused quite a few misunderstandings by those who thought that also meant “dissolvable.” These stickers are neither food, nor safe to put down your drain, so remove all stickers and safely dispose of them before washing your fruit!
2. Grease: By now, most people know that grease is one of the biggest drain “no-nos,” but it is a point that cannot be repeated too many times. Grease sticks to the inside of your pipes, creating a trap for other wayward items that might slip down the drain.
3. Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds may seem small, but they are actually one of the most dangerous substances to put down your pipes. The tiny grains gloop together, forming a sticky, gunky slop that clogs drains in a heartbeat.
4. Kitty Litter: Cat litter, especially clumping cat litter, absorbs water. It then expands and will stick to your plumbing. This particular substance can be an extremely difficult clog to remove.
5. Medication: This final item is less of a clog hazard and more of a Public Service Announcement. You should never, ever put medication down the drain. While it will not cause a clog, because it is dissolvable, it will contaminate the wastewater treatment system. This system, while effective, cannot 100% eliminate the medication from the water.

Garbage Disposals: Can They Eat Anything?

“But I have a garbage disposal!” you sagely say. “It will eat anything!” It will not. Garbage disposals are great for scraps of cooked meat, fruit and other waste, but they are not invincible. There are plenty of items that should not go down the garbage disposal, and some of them might surprise you.

1. Celery: Just like long weeds can tangle around a lawnmower, strands of celery can tangle around your garbage disposal, creating damage and a safety hazard.
2. Fruit Pits: Your garbage disposal is not indestructible. An item as hard as a fruit pit can cause the blades to bend and break.
3. Starchy Foods: Foods rich in starch, such as potatoes and beans, can create a thick, soupy mixture is a recipe for a clogged drain.
4. Oatmeal and Pasta: Similar to cat litter, oatmeal and pasta both expand upon contact with water. If they make it out of your drain, great. If not, they will get stuck and start to smell.
5. Nuts: Think about how peanut butter is made. Nut butters are made from finely ground nuts that turn into a paste. The blades of your garbage disposal will grind those nuts, turning them into a clog hazard.

Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing Today!

Do you have a nasty clog? Call Al Bourgeois Plumbing! Our experienced plumbing technicians will evaluate your clog and develop a fast, effective solution. For all your plumbing needs, call on Bourgeois Plumbing. 504-521-6070