Clogged Sink Faucet? Here’s What to Avoid Putting Down the Sink

Are you facing a clogged sink faucet? Well, the actual culprit for this mess could be you! If you have a constant habit of mistaking your sink for a garbage can or a trash bag, a clogged sink faucet might be your fate. However, there are certain things that you should not be throwing down the sink to avoid ending up with a clogged. Here are some of the most common items you should avoid putting down the sink:

PAPER AND COTTON ITEMS

Although paper and cotton are biodegradable materials and soften when placed in water, they can clog your sink. Often, items such as cotton balls, paper bags, paper towels, product labels made out of paper are put down the sink. As paper products are very water absorbent materials, they can cause a sink drain clog!

PAINT

Disposing of paint in a sink may put you in serious trouble. Paints cause sink clogs, especially oil-based paints. Oil-based paints can stick to the sides of your drain pipe and cause a clog. It is also very harmful to the environment to put paints down your plumbing pipes. Here is a great guide on how to dispose of paints properly.

COFFEE GROUNDS

Do not be misled by their size! Coffee grounds are one of the most common reasons for a sink drain clog! Though tiny in size, the sheer volume of coffee grounds can cause build up in the drain pipe and lead to an overflow situation. It is always best to dispose of coffee grounds in the trash can.

LEFTOVER FOOD AND EATABLES

Small grains and particles left on utensils and dishes tend to accumulate in pipes. The leftover food from dishes should be discarded in the waste bin before washing dishes to avoid any trouble later on. Also, you should avoid dumping food byproducts such as eggshells and bones into the sink.

HAIR

Strands of hair will eventually tangle in your drain pipes and cause clogs and water backup. Try using a hair catcher for your drains like this one found here on HomeDepot.com

OILS AND GREASE

Oils and greasy substances are insoluble in water. They will flush down the drain, but could stick to the sides of your pipes. Not only are they water-insoluble, but they work as an ideal binder for all food materials such as coffee grounds and eggshells. This is a common culprit when it comes to a sink clog.

So, there you have it. A clogged sink is a common plumbing problem in Orange County. Need help with your clogged sink? We provide home plumbing services in Orange County! Give us a call today and we can guide you through your options! (949) 775-4682