I’ve had my fair share of surprises when it comes to drains and garbage disposals. From Hot Wheels to Barbie heads, you wouldn’t believe some of the things I’ve found lurking in there. But what’s even more surprising is that none of these items are as unique as you might think.
When I reached out to friends for their own drain horror stories, I found that many of us were dealing with the same culprits. So, let’s dive into the list of things you should never, ever put down your toilets, garbage disposal, and drains.
The Ultimate DO-NOT Flush or Drain List
Some surprising items end up causing a world of chaos when flushed or sent down the drain. Here’s a list of things you’ll want to keep far, far away from your plumbing. Starting with your toilet….
Toilets:
- Hot Wheels and Various McDonald’s Toys: Seems pretty self-explanatory, but these bad boys are a more common commodity than you might think. Children often see the swirling water of a toilet as a magical portal to another world for their toys. The reality is that these are major clog culprits and a huge headache for any plumber.
- Diapers: Now, I get it – diapers are convenient. But flushing them down the toilet is a one-way ticket to a plumbing catastrophe. These are not even marginally dissolvable and cause serious clumps that require major intervention to clear.
- Wipes: Ah, the infamous wipes. Despite what the packaging might claim, these so-called “flushable” wipes are anything but. Unlike toilet paper, wipes don’t disintegrate easily, leading to stubborn clogs that can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Trust me, your pipes will thank you for keeping wipes out of the toilet.
- Paper Towels and Kleenexes: While they might seem similar to toilet paper, paper towels and Kleenexes are designed to be sturdier and more absorbent. This means they don’t break down as easily in water, making them a prime culprit for clogging up your pipes. Stick to good ol’ fashioned toilet paper – your plumbing will thank you.
- Feminine Products: Ladies, listen up – tampons and pads belong in the trash, not the toilet. These items are one of the top sources of plumbing problems. They expand with water, causing blockages and can lead to costly damages.
- Clothing: Now, I hate to break it to you, but your toilet is not a laundry machine. Flushing clothing down the toilet can lead to serious blockages and even damage to your plumbing system.
- Drugs or Paraphernalia: Flushing drugs or paraphernalia down the toilet might seem like a discreet way to get rid of them, but it can have serious consequences. Disposing of drugs by flushing them down the toilet contaminates the water supply, and has legal ramifications.
- Dead Pets such as Fish and Rodents: As heartbreaking as it is to say goodbye to our furry (or scaly) friends, flushing them down the toilet is not the way to go. Dead pets can cause blockages in your pipes and even contaminate your water supply. Give your pet a proper farewell by burying them or having them cremated.
Garbage Disposals:
- Barbie / Doll Head: Plastic toys like Barbie heads can easily get caught in the blades, leading to jammed mechanisms and potential damage to your disposal unit.
- Aquarium Rocks: Those decorative rocks may look pretty in your fish tank, but they’re a nightmare for your garbage disposal. Aquarium rocks are often too hard for the disposal blades to handle, leading to chipped or damaged blades and a hefty repair bill.
- Vegetable Peels: While it may seem convenient to toss your vegetable peels down the disposal, they can quickly build up and create a blockage. Fibrous vegetables like celery and potato peels are particularly problematic, as they can wrap around the disposal blades and cause a jam.
- Eggshells: These can create a sand-like substance when ground up, which can build up and cause blockages in your pipes over time.
- Grease: Pouring grease down your garbage disposal is a recipe for disaster. Grease solidifies when it cools, which can create a sticky mess in your pipes and lead to clogs and backups.
- Bones: While some disposals claim to be able to handle bones, it’s generally best to avoid putting them down the disposal altogether. Bones can dull the blades and create a blockage in your pipes, leading to a costly repair job.
- Silverware: Accidentally dropping a fork or spoon down the disposal may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can cause serious damage to the blades and motor. Always be careful when loading dishes near the disposal unit to avoid accidents.
- Small Toys: Kids toys have a knack for finding their way into unexpected places, including your garbage disposal. Small toys can easily get sucked into the disposal unit, leading to jammed blades and potential damage. Keep an eye out for stray toys and keep them away from the disposal at all costs.
Drains:
- Tree Roots: While trees may seem harmless, their roots can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. Tree roots are constantly on the hunt for water, and if they find a crack or gap in your pipes, they’ll happily invade and start causing trouble. Once inside your pipes, tree roots can grow and expand, causing blockages, leaks, and even pipe collapse.
- Collapsed Sewer Lines: A collapsed sewer line is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Over time, sewer lines can deteriorate due to age, ground movement, or damage from tree roots. When a sewer line collapses, it can lead to sewage backups, foul odors, and costly repairs. Avoid putting anything down your drains that could contribute to the deterioration of your sewer lines, such as grease or harsh chemicals.
- Electrolysis: Electrolysis occurs when metal pipes come into contact with electrical currents, causing them to corrode and degrade over time. This can lead to leaks, bursts, and costly repairs. Avoid flushing anything down your drains that could conduct electricity, such as metal objects or electronic devices.
- Frozen Pipes: Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter months, especially in colder climates. When water freezes inside your pipes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe walls and increasing the risk of burst pipes. To prevent frozen pipes, avoid putting anything down your drains that could freeze, such as cooking oil or grease. Additionally, insulate your pipes and keep your home heated to prevent freezing temperatures indoors.
Action and Prevention
You’re likely wondering how to avoid these scenarios. It’s all about proactive housekeeping and a little bit of common sense. In fact, there’s even an art to curating what enters your plumbing.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Drain Etiquette
- Do use a drain strainer, especially for bathrooms
- Don’t dump coffee grounds or eggshells into your drains or disposals
- Do use a compost bin for biodegradables
- Don’t pour grease down the kitchen sink; solidify, store, or discard
Regular Plumbing Check-Ups
Just like the annual physical for us humans, a regular check-up for your plumbing can catch issues before they emerge. This includes professional inspections of your sewer lines and disposal system.
Educate and Protect
Knowing is half the battle. Inform house guests, tenants, and family members about what’s appropriate for the plumbing and provide signs and subtle reminders in common areas.
Emergent Innovation
For the times when the odd finds do make it through, maintain an emergency kit stocked with necessary tools and know-how to attempt retrieval before calling in the professionals.
The Takeaway
Our plumbing is a system of delicate balance that oscillates between oblivion and order. Understanding the peculiarity of what we can find within and taking the steps to maintain its integrity are paramount.
By sharing these odd occurrences and the measures to prevent them, we build a community of informed and plumbing-savvy individuals. Remember, the next time you run the disposal or hear a gurgle from the drain, respect the workhorses of our homes and prepare to face—perhaps with a chuckle—the mystery of the missing Hot Wheels beneath the sink.
