Not all liquids should be poured down the drain. Some liquids can create disastrous problems for building pipes and the environment. It is important to be aware of what you are pouring down your sink and shower drains, and even what you flush down your toilet.
Wondering if you have a clogged pipe? Typical symptoms include a smell coming from the drain, water draining slowly or even backing up with sewer waste. Please let your building manager know right away when you notice a clogged drain.
Items to avoid putting down the drain:
Greases, fats or oils clog pipes!
Grease sticks to the insides of sewage pipes. Overtime grease can build up and block the pipes as seen below. When you can, scrape grease from pots & pans. Use a drain strainer to catch grease and food scraps from going down the drain. Also, watch this informational video by Tech Insider on pouring grease down the drain. Whenever you need to dispose of grease, fats or oils pour it into a glass jar and wipe any excess up with a paper towel. Then dispose of them in the garbage.
Never pour any of the following liquids down the drains.
- Meat Fats (bacon grease)
- Lard
- Cooking Oil
- Shortening
- Butter or Margarine
Above: A clogged pipe removed from one of our apartment buildings
Other harmful items
Although grease, fats & oils are the most harmful to your drainage system, these items can also be very harmful to your sewer system. Do not pour or flush the following items down your drain:
- Coffee grinds
- Egg shells
- Paper towels
- Flushable cat litter
- Motor oil, anti-freeze or other toxic chemicals
- Solvents, paints, turpentine, nail polish, polish remover
- Q-Tips
- Dental floss
- Feminine hygiene products
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter medications