May 10/2025
4 Things That Should Never Go Down Your Kitchen Drain
Your kitchen sink might seem like a catch-all for cooking waste and cleanup, but treating it that way is a fast track to plumbing trouble. Many homeowners don’t realize that everyday substances can wreak havoc on their pipes, leading to clogs, foul odors, and expensive plumbing repair services. To avoid the hassle of a clogged drain cleaning or an emergency call to the plumber in New Jersey, it’s crucial to know what should never go down your kitchen drain.
1. Grease, Fats, and Cooking Oils
One of the most damaging things you can pour down your kitchen sink is grease. After cooking, it may seem convenient to dispose of leftover bacon grease, butter, or cooking oil by washing it down the drain. But as these substances cool, they solidify and stick to the walls of your pipes. Over time, this buildup narrows the passageways and traps other debris, leading to a major clog.
Even small amounts of grease added regularly can accumulate and cause a blockage that requires professional clogged drain cleaning. A better approach? Pour cooled grease into a sealed container and throw it in the trash. Wipe greasy pans with a paper towel before washing them to minimize the residue going down the drain.
2. Coffee Grounds
They might look harmless, but coffee grounds are one of the top offenders in household drain clogs. Unlike other organic materials, coffee grounds don’t break down in water. Instead, they clump together and form a sludgy mess that sticks to other debris inside your pipes.
Many plumbers can confirm that coffee grounds are a leading cause of drain backups in kitchens. To prevent this issue, compost your grounds or throw them in the trash. If you’re a daily coffee drinker, keeping them out of the drain could save you from frequent visits from your local plumbing repair service.
3. Eggshells
Eggshells may seem fragile enough to flush down the drain, but they can cause more harm than you think. The sharp edges of the shells can combine with grease and other food particles to form tough, gritty clogs. If you have a garbage disposal, eggshells can also damage the blades and lead to costly repairs.
A common myth is that eggshells sharpen garbage disposal blades—this simply isn’t true. The reality is that they increase the risk of damage and can lead to unnecessary service calls. Instead, toss eggshells into the trash or compost bin where they can break down naturally.
4. Starchy Foods Like Pasta, Rice, and Potatoes
Starchy foods such as pasta, rice, and potato peels are sneaky drain cloggers. When wet, these items expand and become gummy, sticking to the sides of pipes and trapping other waste. Over time, this builds into a thick blockage that can stop your kitchen sink from draining properly.
Even with a garbage disposal, these foods don’t break down well and often lead to slow drains or full-on clogs. If you’re dealing with sluggish draining and suspect starchy buildup, it’s best to call a plumber before the issue worsens. In some cases, professional clogged drain cleaning in Rumson Township is the only way to restore full function to your plumbing system.
Protect Your Pipes with Smart Kitchen Habits
Maintaining a clean, functional kitchen drain isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your home’s plumbing system. Avoiding these four common culprits—grease, coffee grounds, eggshells, and starchy foods—can significantly reduce your risk of needing a plumbing repair service.
When in doubt, remember: if it’s not water or a truly biodegradable liquid, it probably doesn’t belong down your sink. And if you ever do encounter a stubborn clog, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing for expert clogged drain cleaning and repair. A small bit of prevention today can save you from a costly plumbing disaster tomorrow.
