Why You Should Never Pour These 5 Things Down the Drain

Your initial thought may be to simply pour any leftover liquids down the drain if you need to clean up after a meal or a project. But pouring specific substances down your drain can seriously harm both the environment and your plumbing system. Potentially toxic chemicals can cause havoc on your pipes and efficient wastewater treatment, necessitating expensive repairs on your part and posing a host of issues for the Portland water treatment plant. 

Now that you know how wastewater treatment functions, what can you do to stop your community’s wastewater from getting harmful chemicals added to it? Let’s examine these questions and list the top 5 items that should never be drained. 

Why Care About Wastewater? 

Used and now contaminated water is called wastewater. This can apply to water that drains from your shower as well as water from your kitchen and bathroom sinks, washing machine, and other fixtures. The method of cleaning this water so that it can be recycled or released back into the environment is known as wastewater treatment. 

Wastewater treatment is crucial because it preserves our drinking water, sustains the cleanliness of our lakes and rivers, and safeguards the environment from harmful pollutants. Pouring dangerous substances down the drain directly contributes to pollution and the depletion of our water supply. 

5 Things You Should Never Pour Down the Drain 

The following are the top 5 items you should never pour down a drain: 

1. Grease and cooking oil. Cooking oil and grease can solidify in your pipes and cause clogs that prevent water from flowing. They can also accumulate inside your pipes, eventually causing leaks and an annoyed Portland property manager. Grease and cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and thrown in the trash. 
2. Paint. Paint can contain toxic substances that pollute the water and the environment. Additionally, it can clog your pipes, costing you money in repairs. Visit your nearest waste management office if you have leftover paint to learn how to dispose of it properly. 
3. Household cleaners. Household cleaners frequently contain harsh chemicals that are hazardous to the environment and your plumbing system. Any liquid that is left over after using a household cleaner should be poured into a container and thrown in the trash. 
4. Medication. Medication has the potential to pollute water and jeopardize aquatic life. If it’s not safely disposed of, it might also end up in our drinking water. The most effective approach for disposing of medication is to take it to a local pharmacy. 
5. Car fluids. Hazardous chemicals that contaminate the environment and water can be found in some car fluids. If they leak into the engine or other components of your car, they can also cause harm to those components. The best place to dispose of auto fluids is at a nearby garage or an auto parts retailer. 

These simple and direct guidelines can assist in preserving the environment and your plumbing system. Never hesitate to discard something if you’re unsure. 

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