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Why You Should Never Pour These 5 Things Down the Drain

Close-Up Shot of a Mount Prospect Sink DrainWhen you have to clean up after a meal or a project, your initial inclination may be to pour any remaining liquids down the drain. Consequently, pouring certain substances down the drain can cause serious damage to your plumbing and the environment. Particularly harmful chemicals can wreak havoc on your pipes and wastewater treatment, costing you money in repairs and causing endless issues for the Mount Prospect 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? Reviewing these concerns will help us identify the top 5 things you should never dispose of in the drain. 

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 task of cleaning this water to allow for reuse or environmental re-injection is known as wastewater treatment. 

Wastewater treatment is crucial because it safeguards our drinking water, maintains the cleanliness of our lakes and rivers, and shields the environment from dangerous 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 top 5 items you must never pour down your drain are as follows: 

  1. Grease and cooking oil. Grease and cooking oil might solidify in your pipes, causing a blockage that obstructs the flow of water. They can also gather in your pipes, resulting in leaks and a grumpy Mount Prospect property manager. Grease and cooking oil should be poured into a heat-resistant container and thrown in the trash. 
  2. Paint. Water and the environment can be contaminated by harmful chemicals found in paint. Likewise, it can clog your pipes, requiring expensive repairs. If you have any leftover paint, speak with your neighborhood waste management office to learn how to properly dispose of it. 
  3. Household cleaners. Household cleaners typically consist of strong chemicals that can wreak havoc on your plumbing and the environment. If there is any liquid left over after using a household cleaner, pour it into a container and discard it. 
  4. Medication. Medication can cause water pollution and destroy aquatic life. If it’s not safely disposed of, it might also end up in our drinking water. The best way to dispose of medication is to bring it to a nearby pharmacy. 
  5. Car fluids. Hazardous chemicals that contaminate the environment and water can be found in some car fluids. Furthermore, if they leak into the engine or other components of your car, they could cause harm. The best method for disposing of automotive fluids is to take them to a local garage or auto parts store. 

These straightforward suggestions can help you safeguard both the environment and your plumbing system. Never hesitate to discard something if you’re unsure. 

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