What Products Should You Avoid Pouring Down Your Drains
A practical guide to what not to pour down drains at home or work, and what to do with it instead.
Some products cause immediate blockages, while others cause slow damage to pipework over months. Knowing what to avoid can save you an unwanted call out.
Cooking fat and oil
Fat and oil should never go down the sink, even when flushed with hot water. Let it cool in a container and dispose of it with household waste, or take larger amounts to a local recycling centre.
Wipes, cotton products and sanitary items
Wet wipes, cotton wool, cotton buds and sanitary products should always go in a bin rather than the toilet, regardless of any flushable label. These items do not disperse in water and are one of the leading causes of blocked toilets and sewers.
Chemicals and building materials
Beyond the risk of blockages, several of these can damage pipework or cause harm if they reach local waterways, so they should be disposed of through proper waste facilities rather than down a drain.
- Paint, white spirit and other solvents
- Cement, grout or plaster residue
- Engine oil or other automotive fluids
- Strong chemical drain cleaners used repeatedly
- Garden chemicals and pesticides
Food waste and coffee grounds
Coffee grounds, rice, pasta and vegetable peelings are common causes of kitchen sink blockages because they do not break down in water and can swell or clump inside the pipe. A sink strainer is a simple way to catch this waste before it goes down the drain.
When something has already gone down the drain
If a blockage has formed after pouring something unsuitable down a drain, avoid using strong chemical cleaners repeatedly, as they can mask the problem without clearing it and may make the eventual job harder. Our team carries out drain unblocking and CCTV drain surveys across London and Essex, including 24 hour emergency call outs for urgent cases.