The plumbing system in your home is one of its unsung heroes—working tirelessly to keep water flowing and waste draining. However, bad habits in the kitchen can put your pipes under unnecessary stress, potentially leading to costly plumbing nightmares. Properly disposing of kitchen waste is crucial to maintaining the health of your plumbing system. Let Comfort Masters walk you through how to keep your pipes in tip-top shape.
The Common Culprits Behind Clogged Pipes
Your pipes are not designed to handle everything that might come off your plates or out of your pots. The following items are among the most common causes of kitchen plumbing problems:
- Grease and Oil: Pouring grease or cooking oil down the drain may seem harmless when it’s hot, but as it cools, it hardens and sticks to your pipes, leading to clogs. In fact, grease is related to up to 65 percent of sewer overflows, according to the EPA. To dispose of FOGs (fats, oils, and grease) properly, experts suggest using oil solidifiers like FryAway. These products make it easy to safely throw away grease without risking your pipes or the environment.
- Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds clump together and create blockages when mixed with other waste in your pipes.
- Eggshells: Contrary to popular belief, eggshells do not break down easily and can combine with other waste to form blockages.
- Starchy and Fibrous Foods: Potato peels, rice, and pasta swell with water, while fibrous foods like celery or corn husks can wrap around the blades of your garbage disposal, causing damage.
- Sourdough Starter: This may seem unusual, but with the growing popularity of sourdough baking, many people aren’t aware that sourdough starter should never go down the drain. The sticky, dough-like consistency can adhere to the inside of pipes, trapping other debris and leading to stubborn clogs.
Tips for Proper Kitchen Waste Disposal in Lubbock
To protect your pipes and avoid emergency plumbing calls, follow these essential tips:
- Scrape Plates Before Washing: Use a scraper or paper towel to remove food scraps into the trash or compost bin before rinsing dishes.
- Dispose of Grease Wisely: Pour cooled grease into a container, seal it, and throw it in the trash. Alternatively, use disposable grease bags or recycle it if your community has programs for that.
- Use the Garbage Disposal Sparingly: While disposals are convenient, they’re not designed for all food waste. Avoid overloading them, and always run cold water while using them.
- Install Sink Strainers: Sink strainers catch larger food particles before they reach your pipes, making them a simple yet effective tool.
- Compost Food Waste: If you can, set up a compost bin for biodegradable waste like fruit and vegetable scraps. It’s eco-friendly and keeps these items out of your drains.
Signs of Trouble: When to Call a Professional
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, kitchen plumbing problems arise. Here are a few warning signs it’s time to call Comfort Masters:
- Slow drainage in the kitchen sink: This could indicate a buildup of grease, food particles, or other debris in your pipes.
- Foul odors coming from the drain: Persistent smells often point to rotting food or grease trapped in your plumbing.
- Gurgling sounds when water is draining: Air trapped in the pipes due to blockages can cause this noisy issue.
- Recurring clogs: Frequent clogs may be a sign of a larger problem deeper in your plumbing system.
Contact Comfort Masters Today!
Preventing plumbing nightmares starts with proper waste disposal, but if you encounter issues, Comfort Masters in Lubbock is here to help. Our team of plumbing experts is just a call away, ready to tackle clogs, leaks, and any other plumbing problems with efficiency and care. Don’t wait for a disaster—schedule your plumbing maintenance today and keep your kitchen running smoothly all year round. Contact us today!
