Never Put This Item Down the Drain, a Cleaner Warns—It Can Harm Your Sink and Plumbing

When it comes to cleaning up your kitchen after a meal, there are plenty of things to consider. With one simple morning mistake during breakfast clean-up, you may be wreaking major havoc on your kitchen’s plumbing system.

No, we’re not talking about pouring fat and oil down the drain. We’re talking about the surprising effect coffee grounds can have on your pipes.

Why You Shouldn’t Pour Coffee Grounds Down the Sink

If you’re guilty of pouring coffee grounds down the sink, don’t worry. Pro cleaner Joy Ramos assures us it’s a fairly common mistake, but you should undo the habit if it exists.

“Many people rinse coffee grounds down the sink without realizing they can build up and cause slow drains or full blockages,” says Ramos.

The problem happens when the coffee grounds mix in with other grease and soap residue, causing a thick sludge to form and stick to the pipes. This eventually leads to a build-up that can form a bigger clog that’s tricky to remove without a professional plumber’s help.

“This buildup doesn’t just stay in your kitchen,” says Ramos. “It can spread through your whole drainage system and lead to expensive plumbing repairs.”

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What to Do If You Poured Coffee Grounds Down the Sink

If you’ve already been disposing of coffee grounds in your sink but haven’t seen any negative effects, it’s still possible the build-up has started. Your best bet, Ramos says, is to take action before it turns into a full clog.

“Start by flushing the drain with a solution of hot water and dish soap to help dissolve any clogs,” she says.

If you’ve noticed your sink backing up or taking longer to drain, you might want to try a stronger solution.

“You can also pour in a baking soda and vinegar combo,” says Ramos. “Let it sit for about ten to fifteen minutes, then rinse it out with boiling water to help clear any residue stuck in the pipes.”

It goes without saying that the next step is to permanently stop pouring coffee grounds down the sink. But if you’ve noticed bigger effects from your previous disposals, then it might be a good time to check in with a professional and make sure the problem isn’t at risk of getting worse.

The Right Way to Get Rid of Coffee Grounds

As one option, you can simply start disposing of your coffee grounds by tossing them in the trash. But Ramos says there are more eco-friendly options, too.

“A better option is to compost the grounds or use them in the garden as a natural fertilizer,” she says. 

It’s also important to note that coffee grounds aren’t the only problem. There are other food items and byproducts that should be disposed of properly and never in the sink.

“Several everyday food items can quietly cause plumbing problems if they’re going down the drain,” says Ramos.

Definitely don’t put the following items down the sink:

• Eggshells
• Rice
• Pasta
• Grease
• Potato peels