What Can and Cannot Go Down the Drain

Your San Diego Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Costly Clogs

A clogged drain always seems to happen at the worst possible moment right before guests arrive, during dinner prep, or when you’re already running late. The truth is, most drain problems don’t start with a major failure. They start with small, everyday habits that slowly choke your plumbing system.

At John Padilla Plumbing, Heating and Air, we’re trusted drain professionals serving San Diego, CA and surrounding areas, and we’ve seen firsthand how simple mistakes turn into expensive plumbing emergencies. Knowing what can and cannot go down your drains is one of the easiest ways to protect your home, your pipes, and your wallet.

Common Causes of Clogged Drains

Most clogs build up over time, not overnight. The usual suspects include:

• Grease and cooking oils

• Hair and soap residue

• Food scraps that don’t break down

• “Flushable” items that absolutely aren’t flushable

A little prevention now saves a lot of stress later.

What Can Safely Go Down the Drain

In the Kitchen

Your kitchen sink works hard, but it has limits.

Safe for kitchen drains:

• Water - Hot or cold, water should always flow freely.

• Small food particles - Only if you have a garbage disposal, and always run cold water to keep grease from sticking.

• Dish soap and mild detergents – Designed to break down safely.

‍Pro Tip: Scrape plates into the trash before rinsing. Your pipes aren’t a food disposal system.

In the Bathroom

Bathroom drains are especially vulnerable to buildup.

Generally safe:

• Soap and toothpaste residue

• Shampoo and body wash (in moderation)

Rinsing with warm water after showers helps prevent soap scum from clinging to your pipes.

What Should Never Go Down the Drain

This is where most homeowners get into trouble.

In the Kitchen

Avoid sending these down your sink at all costs:

• Grease, oils, and fats - Bacon grease, butter, olive oil… all solidify inside pipes.

• Coffee grounds and eggshells - They don’t dissolve and create dense blockages.

• Harsh chemicals, paint, or solvents - These damage pipes and contaminate water systems.

Dispose of grease in a sealed container and throw it in the trash - old-school, but it works.

In the Bathroom

Bathroom clogs are usually caused by items that don’t dissolve.

Never drain or flush:

• Hair. The #1 cause of shower clogs.

• Wet wipes (even “flushable” ones)

• Cotton balls, paper towels, or hygiene products

• Large amounts of toothpaste

If it didn’t come from your body or isn’t toilet paper, it doesn’t belong in your pipes. Period.

Safe Ways to Clear a Minor Drain Clog

Even well-maintained drains can slow down occasionally.

Try these first:

• Baking soda and vinegar - ½ cup of each, wait 15 minutes, flush with hot water.

• Plunger - Effective for sinks, tubs, and toilets.

• Drain snake or auger - Great for hair and debris near the surface.

‍Skip chemical drain cleaners. They’re rough on your pipes and rougher on the environment.

When to Call a Professional Drain Specialist

Some problems are deeper than DIY fixes.

Call a pro if you notice:

• Frequent or recurring clogs

• Multiple slow drains in your home

• Gurgling sounds or foul odors

• Water backing up into sinks or tubs

These signs often point to blockages deep in the system that require professional tools and experience.

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