Why You Should Never Pour These 5 Things Down the Drain

If you have to clean up after a meal or a project, your primary instinct might be to pour any leftover liquids down the drain. On the other side, pouring certain materials down your drain can greatly damage your plumbing system and the environment. Harmful chemicals, in particular, can wreak havoc on your pipes and wastewater treatment, which can cause costly repairs for you and multiple complications for the water treatment facility. What is the operational process of wastewater treatment, and what can you do to avoid adding harmful chemicals to the wastewater in your locality? Let’s evaluate these issues and list the top 5 things you should never pour down the drain.

Why Care About Wastewater?

Wastewater is any water that has been used and is now contaminated. This may consist of water from your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, washing machine, and even the water that goes down the drain when you shower. Wastewater treatment is an operation of cleaning this water so that it can be reused or returned to the environment.

Wastewater treatment plays a critical role because it protects our drinking water, guarantees our rivers and lakes remain clean, and protects the environment from harmful pollutants. Disposing of harmful substances down the drain significantly contributes to environmental damage and the deterioration of our water resources.

5 Things You Should Never Pour Down the Drain

The top 5 things you should never pour down your drain are:

1. Grease and cooking oil. Grease and cooking oil can coagulate in your pipes, producing clogs that block water flow. They can also build up within your pipes, eventually leading to leaks and a dismayed property manager. The easiest solution to dispose of grease and cooking oil is to put it into a heat-resistant container and throw it in the junk.
2. Paint. Paint can contain harmful chemicals that poison the water and the environment. It can also clog your pipes, leaving you with expensive restorations. If you have leftover paint, get in touch with your local waste management office to determine how to dispose of it suitably.
3. Household cleaners. Household cleaners often encompass unsafe chemicals that can damage your plumbing system and the environment. Once you’ve completed utilizing a household cleaner, simply pour any leftover liquid into a container and throw it in the garbage.
4. Medication. Medication can pollute the water and harm aquatic life. If it’s not disposed of properly, it may contaminate our drinking water. The most straightforward method to get rid of medication is to send it to a local pharmacy for disposal.
5. Car fluids. Car fluids can contain harsh substances that can harm the water and the environment. They can also damage your car if they seep into the engine or other parts of the vehicle. The best way to dispose of car fluids is to send them to a local garage or auto parts store for disposal.

Adopting these simple guidelines can help protect your plumbing system and the environment. Remember, if you are uncertain, simply dispose of it!

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