Your kitchen drain may seem like a convenient place to dump anything. While you may have a “garbage disposal,” you should not toss any garbage down the sink because it can clog up the pipes and potentially cause damage to your house’s entire plumbing system. If you are experiencing a clogged drain, contact us at Axsom Air. Our team is ready to solve the problem and get your plumbing running as it should.
What Not To Put Down The Drain
You should avoid putting items down the drain that can clog it and even cause damage to your plumbing system. Here’s a list of common items that cause clogs:
- Cooking grease and oil
- Food scraps
- Coffee grounds
- Eggshells
- Pasta and rice
- Bones and fruit pits
- Non-food items
When in doubt, do not wash an item down the kitchen sink. Instead, you should throw it in the trashcan or compost bin. Building good habits can save you from an avoidable plumbing headache in the future!
What Can Be Put Down The Drain
Certain items and materials can travel through your plumbing without causing harm. Here’s a list of things that are generally safe for your pipes:
- Most soaps and shampoos
- Small amounts of food residue
- Non-greasy liquids
- Household cleaners
- Liquids from canned foods
- Personal care products (contact lens solution, mouthwash and similar products)
While these items are generally safe, they should be disposed of in moderation and with caution. If you have a septic system, you should be extra cautious about what you put down the drain to avoid disrupting the system’s balance.
Signs You Have A Clogged Drain
One of the most common signs of a clog is the kitchen sink won’t drain on either side. Water taking longer than usual to clear the basin is a sign of a partial blockage. When water starts to back up or pool, that is a clear indication of a blockage.
If you hear gurgling sounds when water is draining or after you’ve turned off a tap, this could mean that a clog is trapping the air and water is struggling to pass through the pipe. A slow pipe can lead to trapped debris and stagnant water, resulting in unpleasant odors coming from your plumbing. This is especially common in kitchen sinks with garbage disposals.
If you notice any of these signs, addressing the issue as soon as possible is best to prevent the blockage from worsening and causing more damage, requiring a more complex, costly repair. While there are certain DIY solutions to repair slow drainage, it is best to consult a professional plumber for a thorough assessment and proper fix.
Choose Axsom Air
If you have a clogged drain, we’re here to help you. At Axsom Air, we have been providing high-quality service for over 25 years. We are locally owned and operated in Natchitoches, so we treat every customer like the neighbor that they are. We guarantee you’ll be satisfied with our plumbing services — if not, we promise to return and make it right. Contact us today!
