Surprising Things That Should Never Go Down Your Drain (That You Might Not Know!)

When it comes to maintaining a healthy plumbing system , what you put down your drain matters more than you might think . Many homeowners in London assume that their kitchen or bathroom drains can handle more than they truly should — until they’re frantically searching for an Emergency plumber near me at 11 PM due to a blocked pipe .
Let’s uncover surprising items that should never go down your drain , why they’re harmful , and how you can protect your home from expensive and frustrating plumbing emergencies .

Why Drain Health Matters
Your drain is designed to handle specific materials . Once you start pouring or flushing the wrong things , you risk serious clogs , slow drainage , bad odours , and even damage to your pipes or local sewage system . A single mistake might lead you to call an Emergency plumber in London — and while we’re always here to help , we’d rather save you the hassle .

1 . Coffee Grounds
You might think coffee grounds are harmless since they’re small and grainy . But these grounds clump together when wet and create a sludgy , thick mess that sticks to pipe walls . Over time , this can lead to blockages .
Pro Tip: Compost your used grounds instead — they’re great for gardens .

2 . Cooking Oil , Fats , and Grease
Perhaps the most notorious culprit , grease solidifies as it cools and sticks to pipe interiors . Even when mixed with hot water , it still clings and builds up , narrowing the drain’s flow path .
London’s “fatbergs” — giant masses of congealed fat and waste — are infamous . Avoid contributing to these monstrous blockages!
If you’re currently dealing with a slow-draining sink due to grease buildup , don’t wait — contact an Emergency plumber London today before things get worse .

3 . Flushable Wipes (Spoiler: They’re Not!)
Despite their name , flushable wipes are not truly flushable . These wipes don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and can easily clog pipes and jam up water treatment facilities .
Many of our clients searching for an Emergency plumber in London after a toilet backup had unknowingly flushed these wipes for months .

4 . Medication and Pills
Flushing expired or unused medication seems easy , but it’s dangerous . Pharmaceuticals don’t dissolve easily , and they end up polluting rivers and affecting aquatic life .
Better option: Return them to your local pharmacy or a hazardous waste disposal site .

5 . Pasta and Rice
Yes — even leftover spaghetti can be a problem! Pasta and rice absorb water and expand . If you put them down the drain , they can swell inside your pipes , acting like sponges that trap other debris .
Over time , this can create an impenetrable clog . You may not see the problem until water stops draining — and you’re looking up an Emergency plumber near me .

6 . Eggshells
It might seem logical to toss eggshells into the disposal — but they don’t break down easily . The membrane layers inside the shells can wrap around your garbage disposal blades , while the shell fragments can combine with grease to form clogs .
Compost them instead!

7 . Dental Floss
A tiny string can’t hurt , right? Wrong . Dental floss is non-biodegradable , and it can tangle with other materials in your pipes , forming a net that traps hair , soap , and food waste .
Dental floss is a common cause of clogs in bathroom sinks . If water is already pooling in your sink , don’t hesitate to call an Emergency plumber in London .

8 . Paint and Solvents
Paint , varnishes , and cleaning solvents contain toxins that can harm wildlife and contaminate water supplies . They also solidify in your pipes , leading to major blockages .
Always dispose of paint responsibly through designated collection centres in London .

9 . Flour
Did you know that flour mixed with water turns into a sticky paste? Pouring flour down your kitchen sink can lead to a glue-like sludge that coats your pipes and catches other debris .
Scrape flour into the trash instead of rinsing it away .

10 . Stickers on Fruits and Vegetables
Those little plastic stickers on apples or bananas may slip down your drain during washing . They don’t break down and can get caught in filters or pipes , causing damage to wastewater systems .
Be vigilant when washing produce!

11 . Cat Litter
Some brands claim to be flushable , but cat litter can clump and absorb moisture , turning into cement-like blobs inside your pipes . Plus , it may carry harmful bacteria like Toxoplasma gondii , which can survive wastewater treatment and affect local ecosystems .
Dispose of litter in the bin — not the toilet .

12 . Hair
Hair is the number one cause of bathroom drain clogs . It binds with soap scum and other substances , forming tangled clumps that block your pipes .
To prevent this , install a drain screen or hair catcher . If it’s too late , and your drain is completely blocked , you’ll likely need an Emergency plumber .

13 . Food Scraps (Even with a Garbage Disposal)
Garbage disposals are not designed to handle large quantities of food waste — especially fibrous items like celery , corn husks , or potato peels . These scraps can jam the disposal or clog your pipes .
Composting is always the safer choice .

14 . Paper Towels and Tissues
Unlike toilet paper , paper towels and facial tissues don’t break down easily in water . They absorb moisture and swell , making them perfect clog creators .
Flush only toilet paper — nothing else .

15 . Bleach and Harsh Chemicals
Pouring bleach or drain cleaners may offer temporary relief , but they can erode your pipes over time , especially if used regularly . They also produce toxic fumes and can harm the environment .
If a drain is badly blocked , don’t reach for chemicals — call an Emergency plumber London for a professional , eco-friendly solution .

What To Do If You’ve Already Made These Mistakes?
If you suspect that you’ve accidentally poured or flushed some of these surprising items down your drains , don’t panic .
• For minor slow drains , try a natural mix of baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water .
• Use a plunger or drain snake for small clogs .
• If the problem persists or if you notice gurgling sounds , bad smells , or slow drainage , call an Emergency plumber near me right away .

The Cost of Ignoring Drain Health
Waiting too long can cause:
• Burst pipes
• Overflowing toilets
• Damaged sewage lines
• Water damage to flooring and walls
• Unpleasant odours and potential health hazards
And let’s not forget — emergency repairs often cost more than preventive maintenance . The smartest move is regular care and quick action when problems arise .

Choose Trusted Help – Emergency Plumber Services in London
When drains become blocked and home remedies fail , it’s time to rely on a professional emergency plumber . If you’re in London , our expert team is available 24/7 , ready to provide quick , clean , and long-lasting solutions .
Need help now? Contact an Emergency plumber in London or find the nearest expert by searching for an Emergency plumber near me for rapid response .

Conclusion
Protecting your plumbing system isn’t just about avoiding big , obvious mistakes — it’s also about knowing the less-obvious dangers lurking in everyday habits . From coffee grounds to stickers on fruit , these small items can lead to major plumbing nightmares .
Avoid the hassle , save money , and keep your home safe by being mindful of what goes down your drains . And if disaster strikes , trust a reliable Emergency plumber London to get things flowing again .