Keeping your drains clear is important to maintain a healthy plumbing system; however, some people unknowingly dispose of items down their drains that can cause blockages and significant issues. Here are five things you should never put down the drain and why it is important to avoid doing so.
1. Toxic chemicals
Toxic chemicals, such as paint, solvents, and household cleaners, can contaminate your water supplies and harm aquatic life. These chemicals can cause damage to your plumbing by corroding pipes, leading to leaks. Instead, take toxic chemicals to your local area’s designated hazardous waste disposal facilities.
- Medications
Flushing medications down the drain can introduce pharmaceuticals into the water supply, with even trace amounts of medications harming aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. Use the medication disposal programmes often found at pharmacies or GP surgeries instead.
3. Condoms
Condoms do not break down in water and can cause blockages in your plumbing and sewage systems. If you suspect something is blocking your drains, search for a company that offers CCTV drain surveys Slough, such as https://www.drainpower.co.uk/drainage-services/cctv-drain-surveys/slough.
4. Produce stickers
When you wash your fruit or veg, be careful not to wash any produce stickers down the drain. Produce stickers are not biodegradable and can cause blockages in your pipes, sewers, and drains.
5. Toiletries
Cotton balls, wet wipes, sanitary pads, and other toiletries do not dissolve like toilet paper and can cause significant blockages in your pipes if you flush them down the toilet. One of the key issues with flushing these items is that they do not break down easily in water. Unlike toilet paper, which is designed to dissolve quickly, toiletries such as cotton balls remain in one piece for months and can accumulate in your pipes. Wet wipes – even those labelled ‘flushable’ – are particularly problematic. Despite their marketing claims, most wet wipes do not break down properly in water. This buildup can cause blockages, leading to slow drains, backups, and even sewage overflows. Make sure to dispose of any toiletries correctly and not down the drain.
