4 Things You Should Actually Pour Down the Drain, a Pro Says

It might seem like a no-brainer what you can pour down a drain, but not every liquid or viscous substance is suitable for household plumbing for a variety of reasons. Some can congeal in and clog up drains while others can damage the pipes, resulting in costly plumbing repairs and replacements.

Read on for some basic guidance as to what should and shouldn’t be poured down your home’s drains.

Beverages

If you can drink it safely, you can likely pour it down the sink. Think of non-spirits such as milk, soda, coffee, and juice. For the latter, tiny amounts of pulp may be fine if flushed further with water, but if it contains a more substantial amount of pulp, it’s best to drain the juice through a straining mesh or cheesecloth and discard the pulp in your compost or trash. When pouring coffee, make sure to not include grounds.

“Even these small particles can accumulate and clog pipes,” Jennifer Rodriquez, chief hygiene officer for Pro Housekeepers, warns. Also avoid pouring into drains viscous liquids that you might put in the aforementioned beverages, such as chocolate syrup, flavored coffee syrups, and honey. These can actually build up and eventually clog the drain. Dispose of these in the regular trash.

When it comes to disposing of alcoholic beverages, some are generally safe to pour without watering down such as beer and wine. If you’re pouring down harder liquor, dilute it first with some water.

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Liquid Foods

Certain ingredients used in cooking—except for oils and fats, which should never be poured down drains—are safe for disposal via the sink. These include vinegar, cooking wines, and soy sauce.

Rodriguez adds that all of these and the previously mentioned beverages should be flushed with plenty of water to avoid any residue build-up. Premade marinades, dressings, and sauces containing minced bits, fats, or thickening agents such as garlic, oil, gelatin, and cream should not be poured down. If any tiny amounts of grease and oil somehow make their way down the drain, immediately flush it.

“It’s usually advised to avoid pouring grease down the drain because it solidifies and causes blockages in the plumbing, but a very small amount of grease can be followed by a good amount of hot water and some dish soap, which will help break it down,” Rodriguez says.

Liquid Soap and Detergent

Whether used for handwashing or dishwashing, liquid soaps and nontoxic detergents that are designed for household use—including laundry detergents—are safe for pouring down drains.

But be sure to check labels to confirm that nothing is commercial- or industrial-grade, as such cleaners often contain chemicals and acids that, depending on the content, are not safe for residential plumbing or the environment and local water supplies.

Select Personal Care Products

Personal care items that are meant to be used in conjunction with water in the bathroom sink or shower can typically be poured down bathroom drains. These include shampoo, liquid soap, body wash, mouthwash, and toothpaste. Do not pour related skincare products such as body or hand lotion.

Items to Never Pour Down the Drain

In addition to food particles, oils and fats, viscous food and personal care items, and non-household cleaners, you should avoid pouring drain medications and first aid. These can contaminate water supplies and home improvement substances such as paints and solvents, which can both contaminate water supplies and damage your home’s plumbing.

If you need to recycle the containers for any of these, pour these out into strong (relatively puncture-proof) sealable bags, properly seal or knot-tie the bags, and dispose of them in the trash. Food items, of course, can alternatively be placed in composting bins.

“It’s always good practice to check with local waste management authorities for specific guidelines to ensure you’re adhering to local codes and regulations,” Rodriguez says. “The key is to keep potential clogs and environmental impact in mind when deciding what goes down your drain.”