Beware of Pipe Blockages
Your kitchen sink and bathroom drains handle a lot every day, but they're not as tough as they look. What goes down those pipes matters—and the wrong stuff can lead to serious, costly clogs that back up into your home.
The grease problem
Cooking grease is one of the biggest culprits behind blocked pipes. It may look liquid when you pour it down the sink after cooking, but once it cools inside your pipes, it stiffens and sticks to the pipe walls. Over time, layer by layer, that grease narrows the pipe—and eventually seals it off. Bacon drippings, butter, cooking oils, and even the fatty residue from meat are all the same stories. Let that grease cool in a container, then toss it in the trash.
Garbage disposals aren't a catch-all
A garbage disposal is a convenience, not a solution for everything. Potato peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, pasta, rice, and fibrous vegetables like celery can all jam or slowly damage your disposal and clog the pipes below it. And grease? Still a problem—even with a disposal running. The best rule: when in doubt, throw it out.
Don't forget the bathroom
Hair is another major drain villain. A little here, a little there, and before long you've got a thick mat of hair tangled with soap scum sitting in your shower or tub drain. Inexpensive drain covers and hair catchers can save you a headache. Make it a habit to clean them out regularly.
Other bathroom offenders include so-called "flushable" wipes (they're not, really), cotton balls, and excess toothpaste or product buildup.
When a clog happens
Even careful households can end up with a slow drain. If you notice water draining sluggishly or backing up, that's the time to call a professional—before a partial clog becomes a full blockage or a pipe problem.
A little awareness about what goes down your drains goes a long way toward keeping your home's plumbing healthy and your floors dry.
When bad things happen
There are times when a blockage or other drain issue causes a backup and impacts other surfaces, such as carpet or hard flooring, leaving tough soils or stains. When that happens, it’s time to call in the cavalry. Do the right thing and contact your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!
Your kitchen sink and bathroom drains handle a lot every day, but they're not as tough as they look. What goes down those pipes matters—and the wrong stuff can lead to serious, costly clogs that back up into your home.
The grease problem
Cooking grease is one of the biggest culprits behind blocked pipes. It may look liquid when you pour it down the sink after cooking, but once it cools inside your pipes, it stiffens and sticks to the pipe walls. Over time, layer by layer, that grease narrows the pipe—and eventually seals it off. Bacon drippings, butter, cooking oils, and even the fatty residue from meat are all the same stories. Let that grease cool in a container, then toss it in the trash.
Garbage disposals aren't a catch-all
A garbage disposal is a convenience, not a solution for everything. Potato peels, eggshells, coffee grounds, pasta, rice, and fibrous vegetables like celery can all jam or slowly damage your disposal and clog the pipes below it. And grease? Still a problem—even with a disposal running. The best rule: when in doubt, throw it out.
Don't forget the bathroom
Hair is another major drain villain. A little here, a little there, and before long you've got a thick mat of hair tangled with soap scum sitting in your shower or tub drain. Inexpensive drain covers and hair catchers can save you a headache. Make it a habit to clean them out regularly.
Other bathroom offenders include so-called "flushable" wipes (they're not, really), cotton balls, and excess toothpaste or product buildup.
When a clog happens
Even careful households can end up with a slow drain. If you notice water draining sluggishly or backing up, that's the time to call a professional—before a partial clog becomes a full blockage or a pipe problem.
A little awareness about what goes down your drains goes a long way toward keeping your home's plumbing healthy and your floors dry.
When bad things happen
There are times when a blockage or other drain issue causes a backup and impacts other surfaces, such as carpet or hard flooring, leaving tough soils or stains. When that happens, it’s time to call in the cavalry. Do the right thing and contact your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro!
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