Out of sight, out of mind — that’s the attitude most of us take anytime we flush anything down our drains. Even though we don’t see where it all goes, however, that doesn’t mean the journey is over for unwanted food residue, household cleaners, cosmetics or toiletries. On the contrary, circling down the drain is only the beginning. This means potentially harmful chemicals can end up in natural waterways where they can damage fragile ecosystems and contribute to pollution. Some substances, such as bacon grease or coffee grounds, may not even make it that far. These can become stuck in your home’s pipes, causing blockages that can harm your plumbing and cost a lot to repair.
All of this means it’s important to pay attention to what you’re letting slip down your drains and know how to properly dispose of certain items. Some of these, such as used cooking oil or diapers, are obviously not something you should ever dump into your sink or flush down the toilet. On the other hand, other products such as ground-up eggshells or some exfoliating skincare lotions should not be put down the drain for less-obvious reasons. Many times, it’s because they won’t dissolve in water or contain ingredients that can have adverse effects when introduced into nature.
The drains in your home may carry things out of your sight, but that doesn’t mean they should be out of your mind. To learn more about common household items and products that shouldn’t be flushed down your sinks or toilets and why, take a look at the accompanying resource.
Infographic created by Tunnel Vision Pipeline Services, a CIPP lining company
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