Drain Cleaning Tips: What NOT to Put Down Your Sink
Let’s be honest—we’ve all been guilty of tossing something questionable down the kitchen sink or bathroom drain. It might seem harmless in the moment, but over time, these little habits can lead to serious clogs, bad odors, and even costly plumbing repairs.
At Affordable Air & Plumbing, we get calls all the time from Cape Coral homeowners dealing with slow drains or full-blown blockages that could’ve been easily avoided. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide on what NOT to put down your sink—plus a few bonus tips on keeping things flowing smoothly.
🚫 1. Grease, Oil, and Fat
This is one of the worst offenders. Grease might go down as a liquid, but it solidifies as it cools, clinging to your pipes and creating a sticky trap for other debris.
🛠️ Better option: Pour used grease into a container, let it harden, and throw it in the trash.
🚫 2. Coffee Grounds
They seem harmless, but coffee grounds don’t break down in water. Instead, they clump together and form a sludge that sticks to the sides of your drainpipes.
🛠️ Better option: Toss them in the compost or trash—they're actually great for gardens!
🚫 3. Eggshells
While it’s a common belief that eggshells are okay for garbage disposals, they can actually dull the blades and their gritty membrane can wrap around moving parts, causing clogs or damage over time.
🛠️ Better option: Compost them or toss them in the trash.
🚫 4. Flour and Dough
Ever cleaned up flour with water? It turns into a sticky paste—and that’s exactly what it does in your pipes. It clogs up fast and can harden like glue.
🛠️ Better option: Wipe excess flour into the trash with a paper towel before washing dishes.
🚫 5. Pasta and Rice
These foods expand with water, even after cooking. Dumping them down the drain is a recipe for blockage—literally.
🛠️ Better option: Scrape leftovers into the trash or compost bin.
🚫 6. Produce Stickers
You’d be surprised how many of these little guys end up in drains. They don’t dissolve, and they can jam up filters and pumps—especially in garbage disposals and dishwashers.
🛠️ Better option: Always peel them off and toss in the trash before rinsing produce.
🚫 7. Cleaning Products with Harsh Chemicals
It’s tempting to pour bleach or chemical drain cleaners to clear a clog, but over time these products can corrode your pipes, especially if you have older plumbing.
🛠️ Better option: Use natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar—or give us a call for a safe, professional cleaning.
✅ Bonus Tips to Keep Your Drains Healthy:
Use a drain strainer to catch food particles and hair.
Flush your kitchen drain once a week with hot water to help clear buildup.
Once a month, pour 1/2 cup baking soda followed by 1/2 cup vinegar, wait 10 minutes, and flush with hot water.
Schedule professional drain cleaning once a year to keep things flowing smoothly.
Got a Clog That Won’t Budge? We Can Help.
Even with the best intentions, drains can still get clogged over time. If you’re dealing with a slow drain, gurgling noises, or bad smells, it’s time to call in the pros.
At Affordable Air & Plumbing, we offer fast, reliable drain cleaning services in Cape Coral and surrounding areas. Our experienced technicians use safe, effective methods to clear out your pipes without damaging them—so you can get back to your routine, hassle-free.
📞 Call us today or schedule your service online at affordableairandplumbing.com.
Your drains will thank you. So will your wallet.
