Flushing food scraps down the sink is a popular household practice. While this may appear convenient initially, this habit can cause serious issues with pipes and sewerage systems – we will discuss its main detrimental impacts later.

1. Contamination and Clogging of Pipes

Fats and oils that enter the sewer system become hardened in cold water and adhere to pipe walls over time, eventually creating fatty deposits that limit or completely block water flow. It is particularly inherent around kitchen sinks, where cooking residues must often be washed away before they enter. Over time, food particles such as cereals, pasta, coffee grounds, and other organic materials can accumulate in pipes, providing an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and mould to flourish and cause unpleasant odours. Furthermore, this may also result in blockages within the sewer system, leading to serious blockages and needs for sewerage repair.

2. Damage To Sewer System

Certain foods can trigger chemical reactions that lead to pipe corrosion. Acidic or alkaline substances can break down metal pipes over time, potentially leading to leaks or other damages in their path. Particles such as bones, eggshells or nuts can create mechanical damage to pipes when lodged within bends and joints, potentially leading to cracks or tears that require costly repairs. If you have already experienced such a problem, we recommend that you contact Superior Plumbing and Heating: superiorplumbing.ca 

3. Infrastructure Problems in Urban Sewer Systems

Flushing large volumes of organic waste into municipal wastewater treatment facilities can overwhelm their capacity to effectively process contaminants, reducing quality treatment and pollution entering natural water bodies. Untreated organic waste in rivers and lakes causes algae and bacteria to flourish, decreasing oxygen levels in the water and harming aquatic life. This phenomenon, known as eutrophication, has serious environmental ramifications.

How to Prevent Problems

Use the Trash Can: One easy way to dispose of food waste is to throw it in the garbage can, with biodegradable bags used for recycling to minimize environmental impacts. Remember that liquid or greasy materials could clog up garbage disposal units, so be sure to pack all large volumes before disposing.

Install a filter: Strainers capture food scraps and other solid particles before they enter the sewer, greatly reducing the risk of clogs and grease buildup in pipes.

Do not drain grease: When finished cooking, collect any leftover oils and fat in separate containers such as old cans or plastic storage bins before disposing of them as waste. Once complete, throw these containers away!

Regular drain maintenance: For best results, utilize environmentally safe chemicals to thoroughly clear out your drains and keep the pipes flowing freely. They will dissolve grease and organic deposits that accumulate, helping prevent pipe clogs. Be sure to follow all instructions listed on their packaging when using such products.

Utilizing these simple measures, you can ensure the integrity of your pipes and sewer systems while saving money on repairs, contributing to environmental sustainability efforts, and helping prevent drainage problems in your home. Recycling food waste responsibly ensures no drainage issues arise at home and promotes sustainability efforts.  In this case, you will have to call a local plumber only for diagnostics, not for repairs.