Blocked drains are often caused by human error, particularly through the mistreatment of drainage systems. Putting unflushable items down the drains can be a costly mistake to make. If you don’t want to cause issues, here are the things you should never put down drains.
FOG – fats, oils, grease
While investing in sewer pipe lining Wolverhampton or elsewhere can be a good thing, lining your pipes with fats, oils and grease is definitely not. FOG is the worst nightmare of drainage specialists working for companies such as https://www.wilkinson-env.co.uk/sewer-repairs-drain-lining-concrete-cutting/drain-repairs/drain-repairs-wolverhampton.
FOG sticks to pipes and solidifies when chilled, causing blockages and contributing to what have been dubbed fatbergs. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ website has more information on fatbergs.
Coffee grounds
These granules may look unassuming but they are one of the biggest causes, along with FOG, when it comes to drain blockages. They are not completely water soluble and can build up over time, causing clogging in your drains. A great alternative is to compost them, as they are beneficial to plants.
Eggshells
Apparently, this is a problematic practice, especially when waste disposal systems are installed. Eggshells can wreck sinks, weaken blades on disposal systems and affect grinding apparatus in addition to causing blockages in your drains.
Pasta and rice
Foods that expand, such as rice and pasta, can slip down drains, absorb water, and cause issues. Pasta is often coated in semolina flour, a sticky substance that can cause other food waste to stick inside pipes. Small grains of rice can easily slip down your drains, but sink strainers can help to prevent this.
Flour
You only need to have made glue with flour and water to know why it is not a good idea to put flour down your drains.
Produce stickers
These can accidentally fall off when washing vegetables and fruit and cause problems. Again, a sink strainer can help.
Toiletries
Everything from cotton balls to feminine hygiene products should be kept well away from drains to prevent blockages and the growth of fatbergs.