What Not to Put Down Your Kitchen Sink Drain

A garbage disposal isn't a trash can. Many everyday items cause stubborn clogs and damage your pipes — even if they seem to disappear at first.

Keep These Out of the Drain

• Grease, oil, and fat — they harden and coat your pipes
• Coffee grounds — they clump together like sludge
• Eggshells — the membranes wrap around disposal blades
• Pasta, rice, and bread — they swell with water
• Fibrous vegetables like celery and onion skins
• Flour — it turns to paste

Better Habits

• Pour cooled grease into a jar and throw it in the trash
• Scrape plates into the garbage before rinsing
• Run cold water while using the disposal
• Keep a drain strainer in place to catch scraps

If Damage Is Already Done

Noticing slow drainage or odors? Buildup may already be lining your pipes. A plumber can clear it and check your disposal before it becomes a bigger problem.