10 things not to pour down your sink or drain

One of the biggest culprits in blocked drains is cooking oil, fats and grease (often referred to as FOG).

While they may go down the sink as liquids, these substances solidify as they cool, sticking to the inside of pipes. Over time, they build up and trap other debris, creating congealed, greasy sludge that seriously clogs drains.

Common sources include:

• cooking oil
• butter and margarine
• meat drippings
• sauces
• salad dressings.

What to do instead
Let these coagulants cool and solidify in a disposable container, then throw them in the bin. You could also use a paper towel to wipe off greasy pots and pans before washing.

It might seem harmless to poke your coffee grounds down your drain, but they're actually one of the most common causes of kitchen sink clogs. Coffee grounds are not totally water-soluble and will stick together when wet, accumulating in pipes - especially when combined with grease.

What to do instead
Scoop soggy coffee grounds into your compost bin or general waste. They're also great for garden soil and can be reused in the home to help save you money.

Remember to safely dispose of the grounds in your coffee cup as well as your French press or coffee machine.

Even if you have a sink strainer or garbage disposal unit, large amounts of food waste shouldn't go down the drain.

Problematic foods include:

• rice, pasta and noodles (they expand with water and stick to other debris)
• eggshells (can bind with grease and create blockages)
• fibrous vegetables like celery or corn husks
• starchy leftovers.

What to do instead
Scrape food scraps into your compost or rubbish bin before rinsing dishes. When cooking, scoop any strays from rinsing rice or draining pasta out of your sink and into the bin.

Pouring chemicals down the drain might seem like a quick fix, but it can cause long-term damage. These substances can corrode pipes, disrupt wastewater treatment systems and contaminate local waterways.

Avoid pouring:

• paint and paint thinners
• solvents and adhesives
• strong household cleaners (in large quantities)
• bleach mixed with other chemicals.

What to do instead
Check with your local council for safe disposal options, such as chemical collection programs.

Medications shouldn't block your pipes, but they can pose a severe environmental risk when added into water waste. 

Dissolved medications can cause chemicals to end up in our drinking water, pollute groundwater and soil, and harm livestock and wildlife. Wastewater treatment plants aren't always equipped to fully remove these substances.

What to do instead
Return unused or expired medications to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

Many bathroom items are marketed as 'flushable' or easy to wash away, but that doesn't mean they're safe for your pipes.

Keep these items out of drains:

• hair
• wet wipes (even 'flushable' ones)
• cotton buds and cotton balls
• dental floss
• sanitary products.

These materials don't break down easily and can cause significant blockages in both household plumbing and municipal sewer systems.

What to do instead
Dispose of these items in the bin.

There's a reason why mixing batter for a cake is hard on your arms: flour mixed with water creates a thick and glue-like slurry. This sticky paste can cling to pipes and contribute to clogs.

Similarly, dough and batter can expand and harden inside your plumbing.

What to do instead
Scrape excess flour and dough into the bin before washing bowls and utensils.

Milk, cream and cheese can contribute to grease build-up in pipes. While small amounts are unlikely to cause immediate issues, regularly pouring dairy down the drain can add to long-term blockages.

What to do instead
Dispose of large quantities in the bin or compost where appropriate.

Even if labelled as 'flushable', cat litter and pet waste can create serious plumbing problems. Cat litter absorbs water and expands, which can quickly block pipes.

What to do instead
Dispose of pet waste in the bin according to local council guidelines.

The little stickers you can find on fruits and vegetables are surprisingly harmful to water systems. They are made of plastic and adhesive, so they do not dissolve in water.

Instead, they can stick to the insides of your pipes, become caught in wastewater treatment filters, or end up in rivers and oceans where they can be eaten by aquatic wildlife.

What to do instead
Make sure to peel off those stickers into the bin before you wash your produce.