Protecting your home’s plumbing is one of the smartest ways to avoid unexpected expenses, leaks and clogs that can turn into a domestic nightmare.
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But without realizing it, many people still discard items down the drain that seem harmless but are actually true enemies of pipes, sinks and sewage systems.
To help you keep your home free from problems, we’ve listed 15 things you should never throw down the drain and why.
1. Used cooking oil
When it cools, oil solidifies, sticking to the walls of pipes and forming layers that cause severe blockages. It also pollutes the water. The ideal solution is to store it in bottles and take it to collection points.
2. Meat fat and frying grease
Like oil, animal fat hardens quickly and combines with other residues, creating difficult-to-remove blockages. Throw it in the trash after it solidifies.
3. Coffee grounds
They accumulate in the trap and form a compact sludge that reduces water flow over time.
4. Food scraps
Even small pieces can get stuck in pipes, rot and attract insects, as well as intensify unpleasant odors.
5. Rice, pasta and grains
These foods swell when in contact with water and can form masses that block pipes.
6. Flour and starch
When mixed with water, they turn into a thick glue that sticks to pipes and hinders water flow.
7. Eggshells
They break into fragments that cling to other residues, creating an abrasive texture that builds up inside pipes.
8. Excess cleaning products
Dish soap, bleach and disinfectants in large amounts corrode pipes, especially older ones.
9. Hair strands
They tangle with grease and soap, creating real “nets” that block water flow.
10. Dental floss
Dental floss doesn’t dissolve and can get tangled in pipes, worsening clogs along with other materials.
11. Excess bleach
It can corrode metal pipes and create dangerous chemical reactions when mixed with other products.
12. Paints and solvents
Highly toxic, they damage pipes, contaminate water and can release harmful gases.
13. Sanitary pads and wet wipes
Even those labeled “flushable” don’t fully disintegrate and can block pipes and septic systems.
14. Sand and soil
These materials settle at the bottom of pipes, forming barriers that are almost impossible to remove without professional help.
15. Melted solid soap
Soap residue forms hard plaques inside pipes, especially with cold water, worsening clogs.
How to prevent plumbing damage?
- Use a sink strainer to stop solid residues from going down the drain.
- Avoid pouring thick liquids down the drain.
- Perform preventive cleanings with hot water and mild detergent.
- In older homes, schedule periodic inspections with a professional.
If you avoid throwing these items down the drain, your plumbing can last for many more years — without headaches, clogs or high maintenance costs. A well-maintained home starts with small daily habits.
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
