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Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and the sink is its pulsating artery. Every day, your kitchen drain dutifully swallows up food scraps, soap residue, and stray bits and bobs without complaint. But what we often overlook is what happens on a cumulative basis; the little tasks and habits that seem insignificant can spell disaster for your plumbing system over time.
You don’t need a degree in home maintenance to understand that the best things you can do for your plumbing are often the result of common sense. Below, we’re digging into the forbidden foods and ill-advised practices that might be sabotaging your kitchen sink.
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The Misfits of the Drain Game
It’s all too easy to treat your kitchen sink like a black hole, capable of swallowing anything you throw at it. The truth is far less forgiving, and there are certain items it should never have to digest. The tiny pieces of eggshell that evade your garbage and the leftover pasta noodles that you rinse away can accumulate, leading to stubborn clogs that require professional intervention.
Not to mention fats, oils, and greases (often shortened to FOG in plumbing circles), which solidify in your pipes, constricting the flow and attracting other bits of debris like a trap. The “out of sight, out of mind” approach just doesn’t cut it when it comes to your kitchen sink. Of all the things you don’t want to put in your kitchen drain, grease, oil, and fat can cause the most damage and blockages.
Cleaners Can Be Dirty Business
When the drain starts to slow, we might reach for the heavy-duty liquid or granular cleaners. However, many of these products contain harsh chemicals that may erode your pipes over time, leading to leaks or even needing a complete overhaul. There are eco-friendly ways to maintain a clear drain, such as a simple mixture of vinegar and baking soda followed by boiling water. These methods not only clear blockages but also keep your home’s water system and the environment in better condition.
Waste Wisdom in the Kitchen
Managing food waste is an art form, and when it comes to preserving your kitchen drain, it’s important to be meticulous. Large food scraps should go into the trash, and smaller bits can go into the drain strainer or basket.
The less that goes down your drain, the less chance there is for a clog to occur. Investing in a garbage disposal is a game-changer for those stubborn scraps, but it’s not a catch-all solution. These systems work by breaking down small food particles and are not a substitute for your garbage can.
Make Friends With Your Plumbing
It’s time to develop a relationship with the most used appliance in the kitchen. Make maintenance routines like flushing with hot water after every use to keep oils flowing and follow with baking soda and vinegar treatments. Your plumbing will thank you for working efficiently and requiring less intervention.
Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, good kitchen drain practices are essential. By understanding the things you don’t want to put down your kitchen drain, you can prevent a grocery list of backlogs and maintenance hassles. Remember, a little mindfulness goes a long way, and implementing these practices could very well be one of the best things you can do for your plumbing.
