5 Foods you should never put down the drain

Foods You Should Avoid Putting Down Your Drain

1. Egg Shells

There's a common myth that eggshells help sharpen garbage disposal blades, but in reality, they can do more harm than good. The thin membrane inside the shell can cling to the disposal and pipe walls, while the crushed shell fragments turn into a gritty substance that can build up and cause clogs.

Recommended disposal method: Instead of washing them down the sink, toss eggshells in the trash with other food scraps or add them to your compost, where they offer beneficial minerals for your soil.

2. Vegetables

Vegetables like celery, corn husks, and asparagus contain tough, stringy fibers that can tangle around garbage disposal blades, leading to jams or breakdowns. These fibrous strands can also clump together in your pipes, forming stubborn blockages that restrict water flow and may require urgent professional drain cleaning.

Recommended disposal method: It’s best to toss fibrous vegetables into the compost or regular garbage bin instead of sending them down the sink.

3. Bones

Much like fruit pits, bones are far too hard for garbage disposals to handle. Regardless of their size, they tend to bounce around inside the unit without breaking down, potentially damaging the blades. If they make it past the disposal, they can still clog the pipes, often leading to severe blockages that might need plumbing disassembly or expert help to fix.

Recommended disposal method: Bones should go straight into the bin. Wrapping them in paper can help control any odors until the rubbish is taken out.

4. Rice & Pasta

Starchy foods such as rice and pasta tend to absorb water and expand, even after cooking. When rinsed down the sink, they can continue to swell inside the pipes, forming a sticky, glue-like substance that restricts water flow. This thick mass can also catch other debris, making the clog even worse.

Recommended disposal method: Leftover rice and pasta should be scraped into the trash or added to the compost bin.

5. Cooking Oils & Grease

When you pour cooking oils or grease down the sink, they can cool and harden inside your pipes, clinging to the walls and catching other food particles along the way. As this buildup grows, it reduces the space for water to flow, eventually causing tough clogs that often need a professional to clear.

Recommended disposal method: Allow grease to cool and harden, then scrape it into the bin. You can also strain and store it in a sealed container for future cooking or simply toss the container in the trash when you're done.