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Why You Should Never Pour These 5 Things Down the Drain

Close-Up Shot of a Signal Mountain Sink DrainYour initial instinct may be to just pour any remaining liquids down the drain if you need to tidy up after a meal or a project. However, pouring certain substances down the drain can cause severe damage to your plumbing and the environment. Particularly dangerous chemicals can inflict damage on your pipes and efficient wastewater treatment, charging you money in repairs and causing endless issues for the Signal Mountain water treatment plant. 

How does a wastewater treatment operate, and what can you do to prevent adding toxic substances to your community’s wastewater? Reviewing these concerns will help us identify the top 5 things you should never dispose of in the drain. 

Why Care About Wastewater? 

Wastewater is any used water that has become contaminated. This might include water from your washing machine, kitchen sink, bathroom sink, and even the water that drains from your shower. The process of cleaning wastewater so that it can be repurposed or given back to the environment is known as wastewater treatment. 

Wastewater treatment is essential since it cleans our drinking water, keeps our lakes and rivers safe, and keeps toxic elements out of the environment. When you flush dangerous substances down the drain, you contribute greatly to pollution and the depletion of our water resources. 

5 Things You Should Never Pour Down the Drain 

The top 5 substances that must never be poured down a drain are: 

  1. Grease and cooking oil. Grease and cooking oil might solidify in your pipes, causing a blockage that obstructs the flow of water. They may also pile up inside your pipes, which may eventually result in leaks and a frustrated Signal Mountain property manager. The ideal method for disposing of grease and cooking oil is to pour it directly into a heat-resistant container and then throw it away. 
  2. Paint. Paint may include hazardous substances that contaminate water and the environment. It can also clog pipes, resulting in expensive maintenance. Inquire with your local waste management office for information on how to properly dispose of any leftover paint. 
  3. Household cleaners. Numerous harsh chemicals found in household cleaners have the potential to harm the environment and your plumbing system. Pour any liquid that remains after using a household cleaner into a container and dispose of it after finishing. 
  4. Medication. Medication can cause water pollution and destroy aquatic life. It can also contaminate our drinking water if not dealt with correctly. The best option for disposing of medications is to bring them to a local pharmacy. 
  5. Car fluids. Fluids used in automobiles may contain toxic substances that pollute the water and the environment. If they seep into the engine or other automobile parts, they can also cause damage. By taking them to a nearby garage or auto parts store for disposal, car fluids can be disposed of in the best possible way. 

By adhering to these easy guidelines, you can preserve your plumbing system and the environment. Remember, whenever in doubt, throw it out! 

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