Drain Cleaning Service Tips: 5 Food Items To Avoid Tossing Down The Drain | San Antonio, TX
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A lot of the time, people call for drain cleaning services for situations that are avoidable. In particular, a lot of people will need their kitchen drains cleaned every several months; however, the truth of the matter is that they only need to get their drains cleaned because they don’t know how to properly maintain and care for them.
These homeowners tend to throw just about every food item possible down the drain. They might think that the garbage disposal will be able to break it down into smaller chunks that are more manageable; however, that’s usually not the case. The end result is that they need more drain cleaning services than usual. In normal households, you only need to get your drains cleaned once a year or every several years, and that’s only because you want to maintain your plumbing.
If you want to avoid having to call us for drain cleaning in San Antonio, TX, here are some of the food items that you should avoid tossing down the drain.
#1. Pasta and Rice
Surprisingly, the first thing that most people do when they have leftover pasta or rice on their plate is to simply wash it down the drain. That’s a big no-no.
In reality, the best practice is to toss these items in a compost bin or in the trash. Although rice and pasta seem like they’re easy to mash-up, the truth of the matter is that the starches can actually end up coating the inside of the plumbing. Over time, the starch will harden and become an obstacle that prevents water from flowing properly down the drain.
Another issue with the starch is that it is likely to expand inside your drains. As a result, even what appears to be a tiny amount can easily become a large clog. You’ll end up having to deal with a huge issue. The starch can also be quite sticky, so it can be difficult to get rid of it at a later time. It’ll simply stay stuck to your drains and plumbing until you get a professional to come in and get rid of it.
#2. Coffee Grounds
Are you someone who cannot live with a cup of coffee every morning? If you make your own coffee instead of going to a coffee shop, there’s a very high chance that you simply toss the coffee grounds down the drain. After all, it looks like the coffee grounds will easily dissolve and flow down the plumbing. However, that’s not actually the case and is a huge misconception. Those who regularly toss their coffee grounds down the drain will often require more frequent drain cleaning services. The coffee grounds can also end up damaging their plumbing.
Unfortunately, this is also another misconception that can result in a need for more drain cleaning services in San Antonio, TX. It’s actually incredibly easy for small amounts to cling onto the pipes. Once they have clung onto the pipes, they may harden and stay there. Over time, more and more coffee grounds will end up clinging onto your plumbing, and they’ll form a cement-like obstacle that prevents water from flowing through.
The best thing to do is to actually toss it in your garden. Coffee grounds contain quite a bit of minerals and nutrients. They’re great for the plants in your garden.
#3. Eggshells
Last but not least, we have eggshells! Eggs are a common ingredient in most recipes. You’ll probably eat it in the morning for breakfast as either scrambled eggs or an omelet, and you’ll also use it a lot if you like to bake. Many people simply can’t live without eggs. If you’re someone who tosses your eggshells down the drain, it’s time to rethink your life choices. This could be the reason why you need to regularly call a professional for drain cleaning services.
Many people are under the misconception that eggshells will easily grind up into small pieces when they’re tossed down the drain. They think that a quick whirl with the garbage disposal will definitely do the trick. While eggshells on their own are pretty harmless and are not likely going to increase your need for drain cleaning services, they can become a huge problem when they are combined with fats and oils.
So, if you happen to toss some of your bacon fat down the drain and then your eggshells, you’ll be in for a huge problem that requires extensive drain cleaning services. The eggshells will easily get stuck in the oils and fats and create a huge ball of mess that can be difficult to dissolve and remove. In some of the worst-case scenarios, your plumber might need to break out the hydro jets in order to get rid of these clogs. This just shows you how strong the clog can become.
Call Us for Drain Cleaning Services in San Antonio, TX
If you are not careful and mindful of what you toss down the drain, you could create a lot of headaches for yourself in the future. It’s important that you know what not to toss down the drain, so you can avoid costly drain cleaning services.
If you are looking to get your drains cleaned professionally, give bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio a call. We have a lot of experience in handling all types of clogs and can help your family figure out a good game plan. Not only will we unclog your drains, but we will also take the opportunity to uncover what the problem truly is. This way, you’ll know what are some of the best practices you should follow in order to keep your plumbing in pristine condition.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. You can also reach out to us for other types of plumbing services as well. We are trained on how to handle just about everything.
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