Maintaining a healthy and efficient plumbing system is crucial for the smooth operation of any home or business. One of the most important aspects of this maintenance is being mindful of what you put down your drains.
Certain chemicals can cause significant damage to your pipes, harm the environment, and lead to costly repairs. At NW Sewer and Drain, we want to help you protect your plumbing system. Let’s cover the chemicals you should never put down your drains and why avoiding them is essential.
1. Grease and Cooking Oils
Why They’re Harmful:
- Solidification: When grease and oils cool, they solidify and cling to the walls of your pipes, causing blockages.
- Build-Up Over Time: Over time, even small amounts can accumulate, leading to significant clogs that can restrict water flow and cause backups.
Proper Disposal:
- Allow grease and oils to cool and solidify, then dispose of them in the trash.
- Use a grease trap to catch grease and oils before they enter your plumbing system.
2. Chemical Drain Cleaners
Why They’re Harmful:
- Corrosive Properties: Chemical drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals like sulfuric acid or sodium hydroxide, which can corrode pipes, especially older ones made of cast iron or PVC.
- Environmental Damage: These chemicals can be harmful to the environment, contaminating water sources and damaging ecosystems.
Proper Disposal:
- Use mechanical methods like plungers or drain snakes to clear clogs.
- For persistent clogs, contact a professional plumber for safe and effective drain cleaning solutions.
3. Paints and Solvents
Why They’re Harmful:
- Toxicity: Paints and solvents contain toxic chemicals that can contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic life.
- Clogging: These substances can solidify and adhere to the insides of your pipes, causing blockages.
Proper Disposal:
- Dispose of leftover paints and solvents at designated hazardous waste disposal sites.
- Use water-based paints whenever possible, as they are less harmful to the environment.
4. Medications
Why They’re Harmful:
- Water Contamination: Flushing medications can introduce pharmaceutical compounds into the water supply, which can be harmful to both humans and wildlife.
- Ineffective Treatment: Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to remove all pharmaceutical compounds from the water.
Proper Disposal:
- Take advantage of medication take-back programs or drop-off sites.
- If no take-back options are available, mix medications with undesirable substances (like coffee grounds or cat litter) and dispose of them in the trash.
5. Cleaning Products
Why They’re Harmful:
- Corrosive Ingredients: Many cleaning products contain bleach and ammonia, which can corrode pipes and harm the environment.
- Chemical Reactions: Mixing cleaning products can cause dangerous chemical reactions, releasing toxic gases and damaging your plumbing system.
Proper Disposal:
- Use eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products whenever possible.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for disposal and never mix different cleaning agents.
6. Automotive Fluids
Why They’re Harmful:
- Toxicity: Automotive fluids like antifreeze, motor oil, and brake fluid contain toxic chemicals that can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife.
- Pipe Damage: These fluids can degrade the materials of your pipes, leading to leaks and corrosion.
Proper Disposal:
- Dispose of automotive fluids at designated recycling centers or hazardous waste disposal sites.
- Never pour these fluids down any drain or onto the ground.
7. Pesticides and Herbicides
Why They’re Harmful:
- Environmental Impact: Pesticides and herbicides are designed to kill pests, but they can also harm beneficial organisms and contaminate water supplies.
- Health Risks: These chemicals can pose serious health risks to humans and animals if they enter drinking water sources.
Proper Disposal:
- Follow the disposal instructions on the product label.
- Use designated hazardous waste disposal sites for these chemicals.
The Importance of Proper Disposal
Proper disposal of hazardous chemicals is essential for protecting your plumbing system, the environment, and public health. Here’s why it’s important:
- Protecting Your Pipes
- Avoiding harmful chemicals helps prevent corrosion, blockages, and other damage to your pipes, saving you from costly repairs.
- Safeguarding the Environment
- Proper disposal prevents hazardous chemicals from contaminating water supplies, protecting ecosystems and wildlife.
- Ensuring Public Health
- Preventing the introduction of toxic chemicals into the water supply helps ensure safe drinking water for everyone.
How NW Sewer and Drain Can Help
At NW Sewer and Drain, we offer a range of services to help you maintain a healthy plumbing system:
- Professional Drain Cleaning
- Our team uses safe and effective methods to clear clogs and keep your pipes in top condition without the use of harsh chemicals.
- Pipe Inspections
- We use advanced camera technology to inspect your pipes and identify any potential issues, ensuring early detection and prevention of problems.
- Preventative Maintenance
- Regular maintenance can help prevent clogs and other plumbing issues, keeping your system running smoothly year-round.
Never Guess with Chemicals Down Your Drains – Contact NW Sewer and Drain to Know
Being mindful of what you put down your drains is crucial for maintaining a healthy plumbing system and protecting the environment. By avoiding harmful chemicals and following proper disposal methods, you can prevent damage to your pipes and ensure safe, efficient drainage.
At NW Sewer and Drain, we are committed to helping you maintain a clean and functional plumbing system. If you have any concerns about your drains or need professional assistance, contact NW Sewer and Drain today.