Do you remember back in November when we discussed the Absolute Worst Things To Flush Down Your Toilet? We’d like to follow up with another important topic that affects your plumbing system: the absolute worst things to put down your sink. Whether it’s the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, or even a utility sink, what you rinse down the drain can have long-lasting consequences on your pipes, your plumbing system, and even the environment.

Your sink is not a garbage disposal, nor is it a trash can. Unfortunately, many people treat it as such—pouring or rinsing items down the drain that have no business being there. The result? Clogged pipes, damaged drains, increased plumbing bills, and environmental harm.

Let’s break down the top culprits that should never go down your sink and why.

Grease, Fats, and Oils

It might seem harmless to pour leftover grease from a frying pan down the sink while it’s still hot and in liquid form. But as it cools, that grease solidifies and begins to line your pipes like cholesterol in arteries. Over time, this buildup narrows the passageway, causing blockages and eventually total clogs.

Common Offenders:

• Bacon grease

• Cooking oils

• Butter or margarine

• Lard and shortening

• Gravy and meat drippings

Even small amounts poured down regularly can accumulate quickly. Instead, pour grease into a container, let it solidify, and dispose of it in the trash. Some communities even offer recycling for used cooking oil.

Cotton and Paper Products

Cotton swabs, cotton balls, and even paper towels might seem soft and harmless, but they are not water-soluble. Once in your pipes, these items can expand, trap other debris, and create significant blockages.

Avoid putting these down your sink:

• Cotton swabs

• Cotton pads

• Paper towels

• Tissues

• Napkins

Even if you’re tempted to rinse them during a quick cleanup, remember: they belong in the trash, not your drain.

Unused or Expired Medications

It might seem like a good way to dispose of old pills or liquid medicine, but flushing them down the sink or toilet introduces harmful chemicals into our water system. Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to filter out all pharmaceuticals, meaning trace amounts can end up in rivers, lakes, and even drinking water.

Safe Disposal Options:

• Participate in a local drug take-back program

• Drop them off at a pharmacy with a medication disposal box

• Use a mail-back envelope from a certified disposal service

Avoid harming the environment—never dispose of medications in your sink.

Paint and Paint-Related Products

Whether you’re cleaning up after a DIY home improvement project or rinsing paintbrushes, sending paint down the drain is a serious no-no. Paint contains chemicals that are toxic to aquatic life and can harden inside your plumbing system, causing serious clogs and corrosion.

This Includes:

• Latex paint

• Oil-based paint

• Solvents and paint thinners

• Varnish and stains

Instead, take unused paint to a hazardous waste disposal center or check if your local community has a recycling program for paints.

Produce Stickers

They might be small, but produce stickers can cause big problems. These seemingly harmless pieces of plastic can stick to the inside of pipes or get caught in your plumbing filters and strainers.

Washing fruits and vegetables at the sink is a good habit, but be mindful to remove and dispose of stickers before rinsing. Not only can they cause clogs, but because they’re often made of non-biodegradable material, they’re harmful to water treatment systems and the environment.

Coffee Grounds

Many people mistakenly think coffee grounds are okay to rinse down the sink because they’re small and organic. But coffee grounds are one of the top culprits for clogging drains. They clump together in water and stick to grease and other residue, forming solid, cement-like blockages over time.

Better Options:

• Compost them

• Sprinkle them in your garden as fertilizer

• Use them as a natural deodorizer in your trash can

Eggshells

Eggshells can break into tiny shards that seem to wash away easily. However, their sharp edges can trap grease and other food particles, building up over time into a major obstruction. Plus, eggshell membranes can stick to the inside of pipes and make matters worse.

Pasta and Rice

These starch-heavy foods expand with water and can swell up inside your plumbing. Even small quantities can turn into a gluey mess that clings to the walls of your pipes, creating stubborn clogs.

Flour

When flour mixes with water, it forms a thick paste that sticks to everything. This can be especially problematic when combined with other debris in the drain, forming a dense mass that restricts water flow.

Personal Care Products

Things like lotions, creams, makeup, and hair products may be part of your daily routine, but they should not be rinsed down the sink in large quantities. These substances contain oils, waxes, and chemicals that can coat your pipes and contribute to buildup over time.

Harsh Cleaning Chemicals

While it may seem like drain cleaners and bleach would help clean your pipes, overuse can actually damage them. Harsh chemicals can corrode plumbing materials and harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic system if you have one.

Safer Alternatives:

• Use baking soda and vinegar followed by hot water

• Try enzyme-based cleaners

• Call a professional plumber for stubborn blockages

What You Can Put Down the Sink (With Caution)

While this list may feel limiting, there are still plenty of things that are safe for your sink, especially when using a garbage disposal.

Safe (in moderation):

• Cold water when operating the disposal

• Soft, biodegradable food scraps (in small amounts)

• Soapy water from dishwashing

Even safe items should be disposed of mindfully. Always run cold water when using your garbage disposal and avoid overloading it.

Trust the Drain Cleaning Experts

At Absolute Best Plumbing, we’ve seen every kind of clog imaginable—from bacon grease blockages to full-on paint disasters. Our team is trained to handle tough clogs and restore your plumbing system quickly and safely.

We proudly offer:

• Professional drain cleaning

• Camera inspections

• Hydro jetting services

• Preventive maintenance

Clogged sinks are more than a nuisance—they can lead to expensive repairs if ignored. Our technicians will not only fix the problem but also help you understand how to avoid it in the future.

Ready for Clear Drains and Peace of Mind?

If you’re dealing with a slow-draining sink or a full blockage, don’t wait. Call Absolute Best Plumbing today and schedule a service call with Central Florida’s trusted drain cleaning professionals. We’ll fix your clog and give you tips to help prevent it from happening again.

Your plumbing system works hard every day. Let us help you keep it flowing smoothly with expert service and practical advice.