Drain Etiquette

Strain Your Drain

Fats, oils and grease can wreak havoc on your private plumbing. They also can cause significant issues throughout the sewer system.

Here are some tips to keep pipes clean:

  • Use sink strainers to catch food scraps and other solids.
  • Do not pour cooking oil, greasy food, dairy products or salad dressing down the drain.
  • Pour cooled grease and oil into a disposable container and put it in the garbage.
  • Don't wash fatty liquids down the drain. They will harden in your pipes or the sewer line when they cool.
  • Wipe excess grease and food particles from pots, pans and dishes before washing.

Don't Rush To Flush

We know toilets aren't trash cans, but sometimes it isn't clear what needs to stay out.

Toilet paper and human waste are the only items safe to flush. Here is a list of items that should not be flushed (even if marked “flushable”):

  • Wipes, towlettes, facial tissue
  • Paper towels, napkins, toilet scrub pads
  • Diapers, sanitary pads, tampons, etc.
  • Fats, oils, grease
  • Coffee grounds, egg shells
  • Hair
  • Medications, vitamins, pharmaceuticals