What should you never pour down a drain?

What You Should Never Pour Down the Drain

It might seem harmless, even convenient, to rinse cooking grease down the kitchen sink with a blast of hot water. But this common habit is a recipe for plumbing trouble. Fats, oils, and greases—especially from meat, butter, or cooking oils—should never go down the drain.

Here’s why: even when hot and liquid, grease cools quickly once it hits the pipes. As it solidifies, it sticks to the inner walls, trapping food particles and forming stubborn clogs over time. Eventually, this can lead to costly backups, foul odors, and even sewer overflows—problems no homeowner wants to face.

Instead of pouring used oil or bacon drippings down the sink, let it cool first. Then, pour it into a sealable container—like an old can or jar—and toss it in the trash. For plates or pans with leftover grease or food scraps, scrape them directly into the garbage or compost bin before washing. It only takes a few extra seconds but can save you big headaches later.

Another smart move? Use sink strainers. Placing a basket or mesh strainer in your drain catches stray food bits and prevents them from slipping into the pipes. Just empty the strainer into the trash or compost after each use, and rinse it off.

Small changes in the kitchen can make a big difference in your plumbing’s health. By keeping grease and food waste out of the drain, you’re not just protecting your own pipes—you’re helping prevent larger environmental issues in wastewater systems. So next time you’re cleaning up dinner, remember: when in doubt, throw it out.