What Not to Put Down Your Drain: Holiday Edition

The holiday season is a time of festive feasts, joyful gatherings, and delicious meals prepared with love. While it’s tempting to let those leftover food scraps and cooking byproducts disappear down the kitchen sink, it’s essential to exercise caution. Your plumbing system doesn’t take a holiday, and what you put down the drain during this season can have a lasting impact. Here’s a holiday edition reminder of what not to put down your drain and why proper disposal matters:

Grease and Cooking Oil:

What not to do: Pouring grease and cooking oil down the drain is a common mistake. While they may be liquid when hot, they solidify as they cool.

Why it matters: Over time, these substances can create stubborn clogs in your pipes, leading to slow drainage and potential backups. Instead, let grease and oil cool and then dispose of them in the trash.

Turkey or Poultry Skin:

What not to do: It’s easy to assume that thin slices of poultry skin are harmless, but they can cause issues.

Why it matters: Poultry skin is high in fat and can contribute to clogs when it combines with other debris in your pipes. Dispose of it in the trash or compost bin.

Potato Peels:

What not to do: Potato peels might seem harmless, but they can turn into a starchy, glue-like paste when mixed with water.

Why it matters: The starchy paste can stick to your pipes, causing blockages over time. Toss potato peels in the trash or add them to your compost pile.

Coffee Grounds:

What not to do: It’s easy to wash coffee grounds down the sink, but they can clump together and create blockages.

Why it matters: Coffee grounds don’t break down easily in water, and they can accumulate in your pipes. Consider composting them or disposing of them in the trash.

Eggshells:

What not to do: While eggshells are biodegradable, they can still contribute to clogs when ground up in the garbage disposal.

Why it matters: The thin membrane inside the eggshell can wrap around the disposal’s blades or contribute to blockages in your pipes. Dispose of eggshells in the trash or add them to your compost.

Proper disposal of these items during the holiday season can help prevent clogs, backups, and plumbing emergencies. If you find yourself dealing with a slow drain or suspect a plumbing issue, don’t hesitate to reach out to Popejoy Plumbing, Heating, & Electric. Our experts can provide professional plumbing services to keep your plumbing system running smoothly, even during the busiest time of the year.